Russia and North Korea secretly build plastics factory despite UN sanctions
A Russian agricultural company has teamed up with a North Korean firm to build a plastics factory in Vladivostok. The project, now nearing completion, openly violates UN sanctions that ban commercial ties with Pyongyang. Officials from neither country have publicly confirmed the partnership.
The facility sits in a northern district of Vladivostok, close to a new housing development. Covering around 7,104 square feet, it will produce polyethylene bags, food packaging, and disposable tableware—with an emphasis on biodegradable materials.
Construction of the main building wrapped up in late February, and interior work is still underway. Production is set to start in April. The Russian partner, Golden Autumn Agroholding, has traded with North Korea since 2023, supplying oilseed meal, oils, and buckwheat.
The North Korean side is identified as Phurunsan, likely linked to the Phurunsan Plastics Joint Venture Company. This factory marks the first of several planned Russian-North Korean ventures, including textiles, labour exports, and energy projects. Other North Korean firms, such as Kangguk Trading Corporation and Joyang Textile Joint Venture Company, have also established operations in Russia, despite UN restrictions.
The collaboration directly breaches UN Security Council Resolution 2375, which prohibits commercial partnerships with North Korea. Analysts suggest the project is part of a broader, state-backed Russian effort to circumvent international law by leveraging North Korean resources.
The factory's launch in April will mark a clear violation of UN sanctions. Russian and North Korean authorities have not issued any official statements about the venture. This development follows a pattern of North Korean companies operating in Russia despite international prohibitions.
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