The Russian government has arrested an Uzbek religious worker who had been helping extract North Korean defectors from the Russian Far East. As Russia strengthens its ties with North Korea, the Russian government appears to be working proactively to prevent the defection of North Koreans residing in Russia.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source in Russia told Daily NK on Friday that the Russian authorities arrested the Uzbek, only identified here as “A,” in Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai, in January. “A,” who is married to a woman of Korean descent, is reportedly fluent in the Korean language.
Perhaps for that reason, “A” had often introduced himself to acquaintances as a pastor and a South Korean national. But it has not been confirmed whether “A” was actually a South Korean national or an officially ordained minister, the source said.
As a Korean-speaking foreigner, “A” appears to have been relatively approachable for North Koreans working in Russia.
“A” had made a habit of rescuing North Korean workers who wanted to defect by driving them in his own car to other areas of Russia. However, he had not been performing those services out of the goodness of his heart, the source said. After putting North Koreans in his car, he reportedly demanded money in exchange for helping them defect.
“When he first approached North Korean workers, he claimed to be helping them because of his interest in their human rights. But when North Korean workers actually made up their mind to defect and left their workplace, he said he wouldn’t drive them [where they needed to go] unless they paid up,” the source said.
When North Korean defectors had large amounts of money on their person, he reportedly urged them to leave their cash with him, suggesting they go into business together or warning about the risk of losing their money or being robbed by other brokers during the defection process.
“Most of the North Korean workers who had decided to defect at great risk to their lives felt they had no choice but to pay the man, as unfair as it seemed, or abandon their plans and return to their workplace,” the source said.
After learning that “A” had been arrested by the Russian authorities, some North Korean workers familiar with him were reportedly pleased by the news, even though it meant the closure of one defection route.
Whatever the case, the incident shows that the Russian authorities are being proactive about preventing defection attempts by North Korean workers in the country. That is one of the ways in which North Korea and Russia appear to be cooperating more closely as they rapidly improve ties.
“There have recently been several instances of Russian intelligence agents arresting North Koreans who have left their workplaces and handing them over to North Korean state security agents. The two countries appear to have had discussions about preventing defections,” the source said.
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May 28, 2024 at 06:30AM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)