Despite being weighed down by some of the toughest sanctions in the world for its past digressions,... a new UN report shows the regime may be eluding those punitive measures through illegal transactions. <br />Some examples include the illegal movement of petroleum, coal and even weapons.<br />Lee Seung-jae reports. <br />According to a report to the UN Security Council by a panel of international experts, expected to be issued this week,... North Korea has found a chink in the armor of the sanctions placed on the regime.<br />The report says North Korea has been accelerating its imports of petroleum products through illicit ship-to-ship transfers,... while stepping up its coal exports.<br />The report also indicates Pyeongyang has been illegally exporting small arms to Syria, Yemen, Libya and Sudan.<br />The UN plans to investigate possible companies and individuals in Asia who have been aiding North Korea by secretly purchasing centrifuges for its uranium enrichment.<br />The report said it's through these transactions that North Korea is able to continue it uranium enrichment process.<br />Despite what seems to be easing tensions between North Korea and the U.S.,... Pyeongyang is maintaining its defense readiness,... dispersing missile-related facilities in case of U.S. military action. <br />The report says Pyeongyang's Sunan International Airport, is reported to be one of the facilities.<br />The Wall Street Journal says the report also includes information that North Korea is involved in cyber attacks and virtual monetary hijacking targeting foreign financial institutions.<br />The UN report is published twice a year to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of sanctions against North Korea.<br />Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News. <br />
