The Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) has released a significant report detailing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) ongoing violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) through cyber operations and information technology (IT) worker activities. This announcement was made by the governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom.
Established in October 2024, the MSMT aims to monitor compliance with UN sanctions against the DPRK. Their latest report, the second since the initial publication in May 2025, underscores the DPRK’s extensive engagement in cyber crimes, including cryptocurrency theft, fraudulent IT work, and cyber espionage.
Insights into DPRK’s Cyber Operations
According to the report, there are strong connections between UN-designated DPRK entities and their cyber activities. The findings illustrate how these entities exploit foreign governments and private businesses to unlawfully acquire billions of dollars, which are then allegedly funneled into the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. The Reconnaissance General Bureau, among other entities, is cited as a key player in these operations, which aim to circumvent the asset freeze established under UNSCR 1718.
The MSMT report consolidates data from participating states and the private sector, highlighting a pattern of violations that poses significant risks to global security. By sharing this information, the MSMT seeks to equip the international community with the necessary tools to protect their citizens and businesses from DPRK cyber actors.
Call for Global Action and Accountability
The MSMT urges all UN member states to acknowledge the DPRK’s malicious cyber activities and to hold responsible parties accountable through sanctions. This report addresses a critical monitoring gap following the disbandment of the UN Security Council’s 1718 Committee Panel of Experts in April 2024, a decision influenced by a veto from Russia in March 2024.
The report emphasizes the need for the Security Council to restore the Panel of Experts to its previous capacity to enhance the implementation of UNSCRs. The MSMT calls for a united front among nations to counter the ongoing threats posed by the DPRK and its collaborators in violation of international law.
As the report indicates, the MSMT remains committed to monitoring the implementation of UNSCRs related to the DPRK and to exposing attempts to evade sanctions. The participating states reiterate their determination to engage in meaningful diplomacy with the DPRK and stress the importance of global cooperation to maintain international peace and security.
