North Korea using underwater pipelines to transfer illicit oil: PoE | NK News
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October 04, 2026Oct 04, 2026

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North Korea using underwater pipelines to transfer illicit oil: PoE

The DPRK's Nampho port identified as a hub for sanctions-breaking activity

North Korea is using underwater pipelines at its Nampho oil terminal to offload fuels received by sanctioned methods, the UN Panel of Experts (PoE) said in their most recent report.

The Panel – which is tasked with monitoring sanctions enforcement – said the port located on the DPRK’s western coast is one of the major hubs for illicit oil and coal trade.

Using imagery provided by “a member state” the panel noted how “underwater pipelines attached to offloading buoys are used to transfer fuel from vessels to the terminals in the Nampo port complex.”

The PoE added the transfers were