The United States on Wednesday announced sanctions on six individuals and two entities based in Russia, China and the United Arab Emirates, accusing them of funding North Korea’s weapons programs.
The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement that the action was taken in coordination with South Korea.
It named the six as Yu Pu Ung, Ri Tong Hyok, Han Chol Man, O In Chun, Jong Song Ho and Jon Yon Gun.
The entities sanctioned include Vladivostok, Russia-based Alis LLC and United Arab Emirates-based Pioneer Bencont Star Real Estate.
Both companies are affiliated with Chinyong Information Technology Cooperative Company, an entity with ties to the North Korean armed forces, the statement said.
Chinyong, which was sanctioned by the United States in May 2023, used a network of companies and representatives to manage delegations of North Korean IT workers operating in Russia and Laos, the Treasury Department said.
The news comes after the United States and South Korea this week established a new task force aimed at stopping North Korea’s illicit oil purchases, as a deadlock at the United Nations Security Council casts doubt on the future of international sanctions against Pyongyang.
Years of U.S.-led international sanctions have failed to halt North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs, and many North Korea watchers and sanctions experts believe the U.N. regime is dying, if not dead.
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