Sanctions Breach by Kim Jong Un with Foreign Vehicle Use
A Toyota SUV Sighted Amid Restrictions
Believed to be a Land Cruiser Variant
Despite the sanctions imposed on North Korea, which prohibit the importation of vehicles since 2017, the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, continues to flout these restrictions. Recent images reveal Kim Jong Un’s use of imported vehicles for security purposes. When visiting the Kim Il Sung Military University on April 25, a vehicle resembling a Japanese Toyota Land Cruiser 300 was spotted in the convoy.
Protected by the Toyota Land Cruiser, Kim Jong Un traveled in a Russian Aurus sedan, a gift from his meeting with Russian President Putin. Internationally, he faces criticism for the utilization of SUVs imported from unidentified channels. Although this instance echoes previous, unapologetic breaches, they reveal an escalating audacity. North Korea is known to parade an array of imported vehicles. What could these models be?
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser J300 Spotted
Surrounded by Putin-Donated ‘Aurus’
The Toyota Land Cruiser seen guards the route and is assessed to be a 2021 J300 model. This model, valued at about $80,000 (around 110.1 million won), represents Toyota’s top-tier SUV line with a renowned performance legacy. The SUV in the photograph has been altered to obscure the brand insignia and affixes emergency lighting to the grill and windshield to be inconspicuous, yet it remains noticeable.
It is paradoxical that a Toyota Land Cruiser was used for protection during the commemoration of the 92nd anniversary of the North Korean People’s Revolutionary Army. The Land Cruiser J300 noted for protection employs either a V6 3.4L twin-turbo or a V6 3.3L diesel powerplant.
Sanctions-Defying Imported Cars
North Korean Forces Utilize G-Class Vehicles
In previous sightings, Kim Jong Un has been observed exploiting various imported models for security, including Mercedes-Benz’s Maybach GLS600, Lexus LX, and the Ford Transit. The Aurus, a Russian luxury vehicle gifted from President Putin in February 2024, signifies the continued rapport with the Russian leader and adds to the illicit fleet.
The North Korean military uses the imported Mercedes-Benz G-Class for training purposes, preferred by commanders within the North Korean People’s Security Service and People’s Internal Security Forces, hinting that they may be legacy models.
Potential Smuggling of Major Goods Debated
Beyond simple contraband, these actions raise serious concerns about the potential smuggling of extensive items into North Korea. There exists a threat that, along with cars, heavy machinery or equipment associated with weaponry production may be illegally imported.
FAQ Section:
- What sanctions are placed on North Korea that affect vehicle imports?
International sanctions have banned the importation of luxury goods, including vehicles, to North Korea since 2017.
- What type of vehicle was Kim Jong Un spotted using?
He was seen being escorted by what appears to be a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 model from 2021.
- Why is the use of these vehicles controversial?
It is seen as a direct violation of international sanctions placed on North Korea.
- Has Kim Jong Un used other imported vehicles?
Yes, he has been reported to use various imported luxury vehicles, including those from Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Ford, in the past.
- What does the use of such vehicles imply?
It may indicate the possibility of more significant smuggling operations, potentially involving machinery that could contribute to North Korea’s military capabilities.
Conclusion:
The continued use of imported luxury vehicles by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stands as a stark symbol of resistance against international sanctions aimed at curbing the regime’s excesses. This defiance not only spotlights the limitations of current sanction efforts but also signals broader chains of illicit trade that could bolster North Korea’s contentious military development. The international community remains watchful and concerned about the ramifications of these actions.