Japanese Vehicle Import-Export Company Caught Attempting Illegal Lexus Export to Bukhan

Detained Before Arrival in Buk

According to a report by the Asahi Shimbun on the 7th, a Japanese automobile import-export company is under investigation by local police for attempting to illegally export high-end vehicles to North Korea.

According to the report, Kanagawa Prefectural Police conducted a search and seizure at the headquarters of an automobile and automobile parts import-export company in Chiba City on the morning of the same day on suspicion of violating customs laws. The company is suspected of attempting to export a Toyota Lexus worth over 10 million yen (approximately 90 million won) from Yokohama Port in Japan to North Korea via South Asia. They falsely declared the transit country during this process.

The Lexus was seized before arriving in North Korea. The police plan to investigate the export circumstances based on the materials secured during the search and seizure.

The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2397 on North Korea sanctions in December 2017, which prohibits the export of transportation means to North Korea. Japan has imposed unilateral sanctions against North Korea, including a complete ban on imports and exports, and denial of entry to ships with North Korean cargo or port call history, citing North Korea's nuclear and missile development.