North Korean nationals have a "widespread presence" in Africa and the Middle East, especially in Syria, where they are involved in an array of illicit activities including trade in surface-to-air missile systems, according to a report by a U.N. panel.
"The panel is investigating reported prohibited chemical, ballistic missile and conventional arms cooperation between Syria and the DPRK including activities on Syrian Scud missile programs and maintenance and repair of Syrian surface-to-air missiles air defense systems," the 37-page report said. It was referring to the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The document compiled by the eight-member panel of experts working with the U.N.'s North Korea sanctions committee is looking into the country's designated entities and nationals linked to the Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation in Syria.