North Korea obtained up to $22 billion circumventing sanctions: Russia became the main source

North Korea may have obtained up to $22 billion in foreign income in 2022-2025 - almost four times more than in the previous four years. This is evidenced by Bloomberg Economics calculations based on trade statistics, intelligence data, and satellite images.

The main source of revenue was cooperation with Russia. Its total value is estimated at $14 billion, over 90% of which comes from the sale of ammunition, artillery, and ballistic missiles. By the end of 2025, North Korea may have been supplying up to half of the Russian army's needs for 122 mm and 152 mm shells.

Pyongyang also sent between 16,000 and 22,000 troops to Russia. In exchange, Kim Jong-un's regime receives money, food, and military technologies that accelerate the development of missiles, drones, and modern combat ships.

Another major source of income has been cyberattacks. Hackers linked to North Korea are already responsible for more than 70% of global cryptocurrency thefts. The stolen assets are mostly laundered through Chinese criminal groups and foreign accounts.

Bloomberg warns that $22 billion is the upper estimate. Part of the income remains outside North Korea or comes in the form of goods and technologies. At the same time, these resources have already helped Pyongyang accelerate the buildup of its nuclear arsenal and the modernization of its army.

It was previously reported that North Korea and Russia slowed down their arms trade pace in early 2026.

Based on materials from: Bloomberg