North Korean officials who embezzled funds from tideland reclamation projects were recently put on public trial, Daily NK has learned.
“Officials involved in tideland development in Cholsan county faced a public trial for mismanaging funds. They’re likely to receive severe punishment for embezzlement,” a North Pyongan province source told Daily NK on Jan. 3.
The trial took place in mid-December at an open lot in downtown Cholsan, drawing a large crowd of citizens. Three officials accused of corruption were brought onto a stage.
The defendants included two men in their 40s – one who managed construction materials for the Wol Island Tideland at the provincial Tideland Construction Company, and another who headed the engineering department – along with a woman in her 30s from the statistics team.
They were charged with misappropriating state-provided materials and funds meant for tideland development projects since 2020, using them for personal gain.
During the trial, the officials admitted to regularly stealing portions of state-supplied fuel and construction materials, either for personal use or to sell at market.
“An account book presented as key evidence detailed four years of their embezzlement. The judge spent two hours reading through each entry and revealing how the stolen materials had been used to renovate their homes,” the source said.
The crowd gasped repeatedly as the judge listed specific instances of corruption.
Citizens attending the trial expressed harsh criticism. “We’re all struggling to make ends meet, but when state officials steal from public funds, it makes life harder for everyone,” one person remarked.
While no final sentence was announced during the hearing, provincial prosecutors made clear they were seeking severe punishment. “Embezzling from tideland development projects, a key party priority, is a serious crime,” one prosecutor stated.
After the proceedings, provincial police officers led the handcuffed officials away as the crowd watched in tense silence.
“Given the embezzlement charges, they’re likely facing at least 13 years in prison under the law. This case will probably lead to tighter financial oversight of state construction projects,” the source said.
January 08, 2025 at 06:40AM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)