Uzbek arrested by Russian government for helping North Koreans defect

The Russian government has arrested an Uzbek cleric who helped extract North Korean defectors from the Russian Far East. As Russia strengthens ties with North Korea, the Russian government appears to be acting proactively to prevent the defection of North Koreans residing in Russia.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Russian source told Daily NK on Friday that Russian authorities arrested the Uzbek, identified here only as “A”, in Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai, in January . “A”, who is married to a woman of Korean descent, is said to be fluent in the Korean language.

Perhaps this is why “A” often introduced himself to acquaintances as a pastor and a South Korean national. But it has not been confirmed whether “A” was actually a South Korean national or an officially ordained minister, the source said.

As a Korean-speaking foreigner, “A” appears to have been relatively accessible to North Koreans working in Russia.

“A” made a habit of rescuing North Korean workers who wanted to defect by driving them in his own car to other parts of Russia. However, he did not perform these services out of the goodness of his heart, the source said. After putting North Koreans in his car, he allegedly demanded money in exchange for helping them defect.

“When he first contacted North Korean workers, he claimed to help them because of his interest in their human rights. But when the North Korean workers decided to defect and left their workplace, he said he would not lead them. [where they needed to go] unless they pay,” the source said.

When North Korean defectors had large sums of money on them, he reportedly urged them to leave their money with him, suggesting they go into business together or warning them of the risk of losing their money or being robbed by other brokers during the defection process.

“Most of the North Korean workers who decided to defect at the risk of their lives felt they had no choice but to pay the man, as unfair as that may seem, or give up their projects and return to their workplace,” the source said.

After learning that “A” had been arrested by Russian authorities, some North Korean workers who knew him were reportedly happy with the news, even if it meant closing a defection route.

Regardless, the incident shows that Russian authorities are proactive in preventing attempts by North Korean workers to defect to the country. It's one of the ways North Korea and Russia appear to be cooperating more closely as they rapidly improve relations.

“There have been several cases recently where Russian intelligence agents arrested North Koreans who had left their workplace and handed them over to North Korean state security agents. The two countries appear to have held discussions on preventing defections,” the source said.

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