Expensive snowmobile equipment, which is subject to the European Union’s (EU) sanctions against North Korea, has been spotted at the Masikryong Ski Resort in North Korea.
The Voice of America (VOA) reported on the 7th that the snowmobile, which appeared several times in a news video about the Masikryong Ski Resort broadcasted by Korean Central Television, is a product of the Canadian company Ski-Doo.
According to the VOA, the three-seater Ski-Doo snowmobile that appeared in the video is currently sold for at least $10,000.
The snowmobile is a luxury item, and the UN Security Council and the European Union have banned exports to North Korea.
In 2013, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2094 to impose sanctions against North Korea, designating seven items, including jewelry, precious metals, yachts, and luxury cars, as luxury goods. In 2016, through the adoption of Resolution 2270, the list of banned items was expanded to 12, including snowmobiles, sports recreational equipment, and luxury wristwatches.
In response to North Korea’s fourth nuclear test in 2016, the European Union also imposed massive sanctions against North Korea, adding goods and equipment for skiing, golf, diving, and water sports, as well as luxury vehicles and parts for transporting people by land, sea, and air, to the list of banned items.
Ski-Doo stated that while the captured snowmobile appears to be their Grand Touring product, they do not sell any products to North Korea to comply with all trade regulations, including UN and EU sanctions, according to the VOA.
kukoo@news1.kr