Multiple rounds of sanctions have been imposed on Pyongyang since 2006, when it conducted its first underground nuclear test. The North Korean government has continued to carry out banned activities, which also include launching ballistic missiles, ever since. Bans are now in place on exports of North Korean coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore and seafood. Since March 2, 2016, North Korea has registered nearly 70 vessels -- a 44% increase over 18 months. It is believed that by using the domestic category, North Korea could "conceal critical vessel recognition data and circumvent international maritime law", the report says.

Source: Bangkok Post August 19, 2017 11:15 UTC