Nvidia product certification marks, associated with developing world-leading graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence (AI) chips, have been spotted in North Korean internet cafes. Despite strict United Nations (UN) Security Council sanctions limiting foreign trade, North Korea appears to be importing cutting-edge equipment through illicit means, including the use of shell companies, as reported on Tuesday.
A Chinese visitor recently shared a photo on X (formerly Twitter) revealing a green NVIDIA G-SYNC sticker on the lower left corner of monitor stands at the newly opened Hwasong Computer Arcade in Pyongyang’s Hwasong District.
NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, first introduced in 2013, synchronizes graphics card and monitor refresh rates to minimize screen tearing and stuttering, delivering a smoother, more responsive gaming experience.
The photo also showed a Republic of Gamers (ROG) logo on the bottom right of the monitor, a brand launched by Taiwanese tech giant ASUS in 2006.
ASUS has released numerous gaming monitors and laptops featuring NVIDIA G-SYNC technology. Based on the monitor’s design and logo placement, it likely belongs to the ASUS ROG Strix series. The stand’s front features a groove for convenient smartphone placement.
In 2021, North Korea-focused media outlet Daily NK reported that researchers at Kim Il Sung University were using NVIDIA’s GTX-980 GPU, which was released in 2014.
Last November, Daily NK exposed an advertisement for North Korea’s electronic payment app (Samheung Electronic Wallet 1.6) that listed various foreign electronic products and components, including Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3060 12GB graphics card.
Despite UN Security Council Resolution 2397 banning industrial machinery exports to North Korea, the regime appears to continue illegally importing electronic products and components from abroad. Intelligence suggests North Korea establishes shell companies using fake identities through diplomats or overseas trade representatives, or collaborates with local intermediaries to procure foreign goods.
Previous photographs of General Secretary Kim Jong Un during official inspections have captured devices resembling Apple products. State media images have also revealed North Korea’s use of Dell monitors and Microsoft Windows operating systems, further highlighting the regime’s access to restricted foreign technology.