North Korea and the triads: gangsters, ghost ships and spies | FT Film
A convicted gambling tycoon, a Hong Kong gold trader, and a racing car driver from Macau: the FT and think-tank Rusi reveal some of the individuals behind a network connecting Chinese criminal groups to North Korean oil procurement and intelligence operations which help to sustain the country's military and nuclear weapons programme
00:00 Gangsters, ghost ships and spies
00:55 Why oil?
03:40 Tracking the ghost ships
06:16 North Korean defector
07:44 Loyalty to the leader
08:03 NK turns to criminals
09:22 UN oil cap
11:04 Sanctions ramp up
12:20 The triads
12:50 Intimidating ship crew
14:03 Why Hong Kong?
14:27 Gary To
15:53 Alvin Chau and casinos
16:44 Broken Tooth
20:05 Macau
21:37 Sun Tit Fan
23:26 China and North Korea
26:57 Nuclear North Korea
28:32 “They were seen as a joke”
29:08 Who is to blame?
30:36 What can be done?
33:39 Rights to reply
#northkorea #triads #kimjongun #gangster #ghostship #spies
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Incredibly refreshing doc on North Korea. Stark difference compared to the dime a dozen repetitive superficial travel docs. Great job FT, your long form documentaries have been amazing lately!
I am blown away by the detailed content in this one docu. Perfect length and extremally important content.
Oh the west isn’t totally corrupt and a gangster economy blah blah blah
It give no details on intermediate tankers from Taiwan (@ 2:47)...
at 7:00 ...... just listen to the operations that "Bureau 39" is conducting to gain operational profits, and then compare it with what the CIA has been caught doing. There's NO difference !! This nation knew dam well, that having defensive nukes was their only protection from an American invasion. Trafficking Opium ...... CIA been there, done that. Running Prostitution ...... CIA been there, done that. Assassination of Whistleblowers ...... CIA been there, done that. Human Torture ...... CIA been there, done that. Smuggling Weapons ...... CIA been there, done that. Smuggling Oil & Nuke materials ...... CIA been there, done that. Employed Organized Crime ...... CIA been there, done that. Murdered Civilians ...... CIA been there, done that.
Kim 🐷 Jong 🐷 Un 🐷 ---- 🛫🛬 💥= 🍗 👹
They know it all bec they work with them.
I'm not 12, but I still laughed at "Sun Tit Fan".
Came here to find this comment
Join the police; a bunch a' 12 year olds.
You shouldn't laugh. Cos the surname is as famous as the surname Windsor. When you build up the different imperial families.. then maybe it makes sense.
@@HazKofi random to comment police, police live in your head rent free or something? lmao
@@HazKoficlearly Sun Ting Wong
I always wanted to know how in the world they found money to pay for their nuclear program... this went a long way to answering that. Great content.
Same, this is not fully completed. More info needed
It’s awesome when you have people like these that are willing to look deep into things to find out and expose them.
@@tommytse23 watch The Mole: Undercover in North Korea (2020)
I believe there a sun - city casenio in Richmond BC. Canada
If the United States would mine there own business and not bully the rest of world , the world might be a better place .
You guys kill it on your investigations and documentaries. You guys should focus on content like this!!!!!
Seriously…nothing this good anywhere else on KZhead
Yeah but they never once go into the reason why this is necessary. Lets see the UK, for example, survive 70 years of bring locked out of the world by the United States and its weak friends like the UK, who go along with whatever they want. If that factor didn't exist, they would be doing legitimate business.
Yes vary good information
I agree. In fact, they should focus on content like 'Slavery, Colonialism & Colonization' which are all evil things done and benefited by evildoers.. The West/Christian Europeans are major participants & benefactors of centuries-long global, - Slavery, - Colonialism, - Colonization worldwide, from North/South America to Australia/New Zealand to Siberia/Far-East Asia... Just saying.
More Nuclear Weapons to North Korea , To Protect them from American aggression , Nothing can stop them now
Ft films are BEYOND amazing please increase the frequency by posting more ❤
This is truly insightful, vigourously researched and wonderfully presented. More content like this please FT!
It give no details on intermediate tankers from Taiwan (@ 2:47)...
Excellent investigative journalism by FT as always.
So much emotion in one voice. The first time I heard Charles Bradley sing was a live on radio cover of the Black Sabbath ballad 'Changes', and he knocked it out of the park.
More like this please, can't get enough.
Oh,this world is coming to an end in a few weeks and I'll make sure of it,so STAY TUNED!!!
@@LONEWOLF-rq5tl bum Ok I'll , No
at 7:00 ...... just listen to the operations that "Bureau 39" is conducting to gain operational profits, and then compare it with what the CIA has been caught doing. There's NO difference !! This nation knew dam well, that having defensive nukes was their only protection from an American invasion. Trafficking Opium ...... CIA been there, done that. Running Prostitution ...... CIA been there, done that. Assassination of Whistleblowers ...... CIA been there, done that. Human Torture ...... CIA been there, done that. Smuggling Weapons ...... CIA been there, done that. Smuggling Oil & Nuke materials ...... CIA been there, done that. Employed Organized Crime ...... CIA been there, done that. Murdered Civilians ...... CIA been there, done that.
0:37: 🚢 This is a story about how the triads facilitate the oil trade that keeps North Korea's weapons program alive. 5:52: 📚 North Korea relies on illicit activities, including arms trade, drug trafficking, and counterfeit money, to generate revenue and support its regime survival. 11:02: 🚢 North Korea evades sanctions by teaming up with organized crime groups, such as the triads, and smuggling oil through Hong Kong. 15:53: 🔍 Suncity Group, a gambling business operated by alleged high-level members of the triads, is accused of running illegal cross-border gambling rings and having connections to organized crime groups. 20:22: 🕵♂ A detailed investigation reveals connections between North Korean intelligence, oil-smuggling operations, and Chinese banks, raising questions about China's role in allowing criminal activities under its nose. 25:08: ⚠ China and Russia have been excusing and justifying North Korea's aggressive behavior, putting the Asian region and the world at risk of conflict. 31:46: ! The speaker suggests that the global community should treat North Korea's nuclear program as an organized crime problem and increase international law enforcement cooperation. Recap by Tammy AI
@ ambition, it’s interesting to me that no other country has ever gone in to North Korea to liberate the people. I believe that North Korea is in bed with all the other mafioso corrupt Governments around the world. In the UK for example, it is believed that if the drugs money stopped flowing, the entire British economy would collapse
Woah nice job !!! Thanks 😊
Illicit because the war criminals in the US and UK say so! Pronounced guilty by mass murderers. Get a grip indoctrinated one.
You got cocaine?
@@ninrotladiferencia1845I do but not for you!!
Finally somethings not talked about on any other documentaries. Some things I had no idea about. Great doc
I want to push the like button 100 times, well done, FT! One question, what can an viewer do? whenever I watch a great journalism like this one, I come up with this question.
Nothing
If you didn't know this was how it was happening till today.. that's because what you watch , so dumped down by media even a basic documentry you would feel like a great job.
I have to admit that thos is the single deepest dive I have EVER come across into the DPRK. Scary deepest. Good job.
The editing on this is spectacular.
Imposing sanctions on a country means you don't care about the ordinary citizens because it is them who suffers from such measures.
Extly and why should the US decide these matters for everyone.
@@KennyG-qh8jc They get to decide because they have the power to do so
@@Melange2 Exactly, if they don't like it then do something about it
You mean those "poor citizens" brainwashed starved, killed and experiencing terror by a dictator like Kim? Those who can't drop their tyrant dead and be free?
What policy then, oh wise one, would you advocate for? Criticism is easy, how about you offer some alternatives? Was it wrong for countries to sanction apartheid South Africa in the 1980s and just continue doing business with them?
Another excellent report by the FT! Disturbing, but bravo!
Others have broken this story. North Korea accidentally leaked documents.
Amazing research and content. Bravo!
Nice job - please make content like this on an hourly basis.
Nice job, you completely answered a lot of questions about North Korea and how they get their economy working, loved the video keep up the good work...
Great documentary. Keep up the good work.
excellent investigative journalism
Great work FT.
Excellent analysis.
That last question, "Is this something we're going to have to learn to live with?", should have already been answered a long time ago. The World has been "living with" threats of nuclear armageddon since Little Boy was dropped on Hiroshima by Enola Gay on August 6th, 1945. All through the Cold War, and even into the current war in Ukraine, there has always been some Country with a Leader that has an itchy trigger finger and making nuclear threats. I'd say it's a bit late to start learning, it's part of mainstream life at this point.
Yeah but what is the world going to do? If they want to forcibly disarm north korea,that would result in war
All technology is a double edged sword 🗡️
Well to be fair the USA never intimidated with nuclear weapons they just dropped it. But how sad it is that was something that needed to be done, imagine how many deaths there would have been if japan did not surrender.
Great presentation thank you algorithm
Now THIS right here is *REAL* journalism!
Great show, do more of this!
Good journalism.
Best investigation ever. You are the best.
Someone should write a movie script about this!
Good investigative research! Financial Times proves again the best source of information !
outstanding piece of investigative journalism!
at 7:00 ...... just listen to the operations that "Bureau 39" is conducting to gain operational profits, and then compare it with what the CIA has been caught doing. There's NO difference !! This nation knew dam well, that having defensive nukes was their only protection from an American invasion. Trafficking Opium ...... CIA been there, done that. Running Prostitution ...... CIA been there, done that. Assassination of Whistleblowers ...... CIA been there, done that. Human Torture ...... CIA been there, done that. Smuggling Weapons ...... CIA been there, done that. Smuggling Oil & Nuke materials ...... CIA been there, done that. Employed Organized Crime ...... CIA been there, done that. Murdered Civilians ...... CIA been there, done that.
As an Englishman, I wish the UN would put this amount of investigative effort into the financial crime being committed in Central London...
This is one of the real contents we all should care about. Thank you Financial Times!
The depth of reporting here is amazing.
They intentionally missed something...It give no details on intermediate tankers from Taiwan (@ 2:47)...
Fascinating clip, well worth watching.
Very interesting... It has more than it resembles to do 😮
Truly amazing the dedication and intelligence these guys have
The innocent ‘uk’ investigating😂. Gotta love it
So we’ll done. Entertaining and informative
Incredible detail, you can see the dominos all lined up, thank you FT 🙌🏽 what a cirwe live in smh.
What I’m curious is why then the Chinese government, seemingly in full support of the North Korean trade, suddenly decided to bring down Sun City and their owner, Alvin Chau. Would be great if you guys can delve into that and see what was the reason of his demise
Because he crossed me. Never do that, ever. 😎
Tentative answer from experience in China analysis: The Chinese government has a number of different interests, both domestically and abroad. Note that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by in large dictates the State's policies. 1⃣ The entire regime requires public trust; to maintain the belief that the population is better off with the CCP in charge than without. One of Xi Jinping's main directives since his first appointment in 2012 has been his (largely successful) anti-corruption campaign. 2⃣ Additionally, in upholding its assertion of power, the Party feels the need to "remind" people that nobody should see themselves above or better than it and its great leader - a rather Confucian characteristic of hierarchy. 3⃣ Finally, the government in Beijing has intensively tightened its grip on Hong Kong in recent years and attempted to bring it closer to the mainland politically, culturally, and economically. ⏩These three elements as well as the country's international image and intentions may be some of the reasons behind the crackdown on Sun City and Alvin Chau. Hope this helps, or at least provides an interesting read 🙂
Simply because the triads deals with unlawful acts.
@@peekaboopeekaboo1165or quite simply, he screwed them. china retaliated. Just like that. It's just business.
@@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756 PRC doesn't do deals with the triads.
Beautiful work Financial Times! Please keep it up!
This video is a good product!
Of course, where else would they get their resources? - Great content FT
I have a close North Korean friend who studies post-grad here in Vietnam. She also teaches Korean part-time. In her little NK community in Vietnam none of them wanna defect. In fact, they have to unofficially enter back into North Korea and then again out when returning home for a trip (due to official border being closed since Jan 2020).
🤖
Brainwashed but north Korea will fall in the next 100yrs
Very sad and underrated doc The Mole: Undercover in North Korea
still going on to this day!!!! today..
6:58 that makes the better older strike backs episode in N.K seem more cool ngl😂
I've got a feeling those Oil Smugglers were kind of inspired by Red Heat, seeing that bank note thing.
I won’t lie, I am impressed by their methodical tactics
Since the 1950s, North Korea has been subjected to economic and political sanctions imposed by the United States and other nations. Would North Korea embarked on a path of developing a nuclear arms program and engaging in illicit activities had it not been subjected to these sanctions? While it is pertinent to consider the impact of the sanctions on North Korea's economic and political development, analogies have been drawn between the aftermath of World War I, where the actions of the victors are believed to have paved the way for the rise of Nazism, and the actions of the West post-Korean War, which some argue may have played a similar role in North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons.
100% correct
North korea despite signing a peace treaty with south korea have built four tunnels to inavde south korea, kill south korean civilian airplane, suprise attack south korea ship twice, tried to kill south korea leader twice and fired artillery on south korean civilians.
This is true, America, with the largest and best funded military in the world ever and by a large margin too, still has their biggest military training right on the border. Practicing how to invade north Korea. Sanctions will mainly hurt the population and not the leaders. Additionally (north) Korea has had hundreds of years of occupation or domination pre Korean war. They made the promise never to be controlled again and they kind of just did that. Finally if you destabilise the Kim regime too much, wouldn't that increase threats of nuclear violence, God forbid the regime falls and all of the warheads end up on black markets and in the hands of the actual crime groups.
@@thijndeveer2592 Maybe north korea should stop attacking south korea
@@schneejacques3502 they don't attack south Korea, there are always tensions on the border but not outright attacks
The song at 16:22 had no business slapping that hard, anyone know what it is?
Having served in the USAF, during the Cuban Crises, I can relate to how intolerant, tolitantan governments are and their leaders think and how UNIMPORTANT their people's and oiur lives are!
This is an inevitable side-effect of the sanctions imposed on the country. As you stated, its economy would be plunged into chaos if its oil supply were to be cut off - this would likely mean mass starvation for the populous. Given this necessity and the lack of legitimate means to purchase oil, it's inevitable that this will happen. Why not just remove the sanctions? They clearly haven't worked; if anything, they've only made matters worse both for people living inside the country and those residing outside - i.e. those harmed by the state-sponsored crime resulting from the sanctions.
Sanction = economic terrorism
Pride. Same with the Cuban sanctions. People are suffering while nations continue on with embargoes and sanctions. It’s sad.
I agree. "The sanctions do not work" is what people should take away from this video. When North Korea contravene the sanctions successfully it only benefits those in North Korean high society and their military. Although reduced ,or no, sanctions would also benefit those parties, it would, more importantly, benefit the people and rescue them from near starvation. In both cases, the high society and military are receiving some benefit, but at least in the latter the suffering is reduced. Additionally, if you have ever argued with anyone you know that you do not get people to agree with you by shouting them down; rather, you understand their perspective and slowly bring them on board to your ideas. Punishing North Korea will never bring them into compliance.
I remember watching a movie that had criminals that used that same torn bill method, they tore a $100 bill in half in the movie. Cant remember what crime movie it was, ive seen so many lol.
Red Heat
@@blitzerblazinoah6838 yup, that’s it
The 4th largest military is getting by on the occasional oil tanker delivery?
The Thing with the Banknote doesn't make sense I don't doubt that North Korea is trying to bypass Sanctions but two Ships stopping Side by Side so that they can put the Note together? Sounds insane
With technology and AI it's the only way to be sure there playing at a high level so it's Game On
Good investigative reporting. North Korean regime also funds nuclear program with ransomware attacks particularly on healthcare and cyber theft from cryptocurrency exchanges. US cybersecurity & infrastructure security agency issues advisories on cyber threats including from North Korea.
Excellent video and to be quite frank - pretty concerning.
Good coverage, keep exposing evil!
at 7:00 ...... just listen to the operations that "Bureau 39" is conducting to gain operational profits, and then compare it with what the CIA has been caught doing. There's NO difference !! This nation knew dam well, that having defensive nukes was their only protection from an American invasion. Trafficking Opium ...... CIA been there, done that. Running Prostitution ...... CIA been there, done that. Assassination of Whistleblowers ...... CIA been there, done that. Human Torture ...... CIA been there, done that. Smuggling Weapons ...... CIA been there, done that. Smuggling Oil & Nuke materials ...... CIA been there, done that. Employed Organized Crime ...... CIA been there, done that. Murdered Civilians ...... CIA been there, done that.
This has to be one of the greatest names of all time Sun Tit Fun....or was it Fun Tit Fan?
These names are killing me , specially Sun Tit Fan
No wonder South Africa has been put on the Greylist. Sun City Casino was mentioned.
Next time do "the US and the Cartels." Thanks!!!!!!!
Some incredible investigations! On your heels dude! Enjoy while you can.
More content like this 🚀🔥
Excellent video! Thank you Financial Times!
Good job.
Masterpiece
Everytime I see an intelligence dude come in and say something with absolute conviction, I remember the "credible evidence" of WMD's in Iraq.
😅😅😅😅 that does not fit their narrative
That was purposeful propaganda used by the Bush administration to start a war. Many people saw through it back then. That's also why Bush should've been living the last decade in prison & be there until his death
Still searching...
I like how the nuke missle video they cut out the guy lighting the fuse and running away... makes it look almost real
Respect to the shop keeper
Sounds like how America works. They pulled this off without American influence, Respect!
I'm sure they will accept you as an immigrant. Or you can ask your government to donate your taxpayers money to North Korea, I know they are always looking for handouts.
@@mat4263 when was the last time you lifted EPL? 🤣🤣
"They pulled this off without American influence, Respect" 🤣 isnt that UN guy american?
Though there are a lot of "globalists" on here it's a good documentary on the "official" stance of the global community towards DPRK. Though I feel the Mads Brugger film "The Mole" starring Ulrich Larsson is the beat way to get a feel for DPRKs clandestine activities
Whenever I hear Lankov's voice I know it will be interesting
Who has any right on earth to tell another other group what to do, what is right, what is wrong... when was the last time North Korea started a war in a foreign land?? What has North Korea ever done in this world???? I think the rest of the world is flat out dumb.
I read the one page summary in the FT this week and was immediately struck by the obvious and poor 'opening point'. The UNICA ship made trips totaling 498,000 barrels in a year and this was reported as an illegal activity. No. The N Koreans are ALLOWED to import 500,000 barrels. So she was engaged in a valid commercial activity. And your report then failed to produce any other evidence of such illegal maritime transits. The article then degenerated into names and criminal links etc - all good stuff, and doubtless correct, but way below the standards I expect from the FT. Please publish a short correction clarifying the situation with the UNICA barrel sanction allowance. Just to be crystal clear. I hate the NK, Russian and Chinese regimes and my heart bleeds for their populations but for the FT to make such a basic error is very very poor journalism. Regards and keep up the good work. Andrew
this report has the same energy of the Iraq missing WMDs
FT give no details on intermediate tankers from Taiwan (@ 2:47)...
This is why it is called "a film".... and why are those individuals working with them ?.... The surname Sun.... I never expected this.
21:40 I'm something of a sun tit fan myself
At least 5 occasions from 2018 to 2020... let's say 20 or 30 occasions/// still not enough... big deal! great job investigating the case!
What happened to the journalist is exactly what would happen to me as a kid when my mom would send me to the shop to buy some stuff and next day remember to ask me for my change....I would stutter and make no sense😢😢😢
THEY GOTTA MAKE MONEY SOMEHOW, everybody blaming kim jogn un for the poor country, but nobody blaming the sanctions, powerfull countrys have nuclear weapons, and NK is not alowed, based on what?/ on nothing, this is traight up bullying
Sun Tit Fan lol
Incredible work.. I hope the right people are watching &moving . . 🌦❤🧡💛🌥
ft video content has got a lot better.
"Sun tit fan" you can't make up these names lol :D
People living in democracies tend to forget the World as a whole is much different. Many countries are run like Companies owned by Absolute Monarchs: much of Africa, Middle East, Russia the “…tan” Countries, China, much of South East Asia…that’s a big chunk of human population.
There are only 12 absolute monarchies left on the planet today. The 7 Emirates, Brunei, Eswatini, Vatican, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. So what exactly are you talking about? Ironically the US is one of the countries most run "like a company". Like me personally I'd much rather live in Corporation Singapore than Freeland Somalia.
Huge respect for the north Korean leader Kim
?
He is our leader!
? WHAT RESPECT FOR HUMAN CRUELTY
@@stephenantonicelli7069 what cruelty? you main stream media lies to you
Yeah he’s a real winner…😂
The narrative of this content is replete with motivating and enlightening elements. A book with related themes deeply resonated with me. "The Hidden Empire: Inside the Private Worlds of Elite CEOs" by Various Authors
Thanks for the tip. I will buy that book. Sounds interesting
Wow Port Kelang, Malaysia
Truly fascinating how strange North Korea is. I’m so sad for the people and how badly they’re oppressed. I pray for all North Koreans 🙏
Have a look at the poor zombified addicts walking around with their flesh rotting down in Kensington ave Philly
Same done in phil d past 6 yrs dudirty. dela rosa. bongok regime of impunity.
You’re not. If you we really, you could try to know the people there. For you this video is like Nickelodeon , so superficial
It’s different from what you know, but it’s not STRANGE
@@SNEZNA9 how can I get to know them? We don’t have many here in Canada
isn't preventing NK from getting oil causing starvation in NK? Is that ethical?
asking the question you just asked is unethical. listen they never considered non western country as sovereign country, people as humans.
Thanks.
What is the US expect North Korea to get funding from after sanctions. The world never sanctioned US after more than 15 military coups.
I knew how the north Korean economy was subsidised by a lot of elicit activities... but selling pirate dvds in 2023!!??.... now tht needs to be applauded 😂
I wish you reported fair & unbiased N Korean News.
Birds of the same feather flock together, Fiji you also in the list.
2:57 gotta admit, that they are creative.😂😂😂
This is why sanctions don't work. Just leave them be and trade. Everyone loves money. The ship has sailed on North Korea (pun intended). How long will countries realize this will never work? If they attack us, they're gone, plain and simple, otherwise, leave it alone and let them trade.
Unfortunately the US has a nose sticking disorder.
It's so sad to see that all this investigation and effort into the businesses of other countries and peoples stems from our fear of a country who does not wish to align with Western values. Therefore not knowing what they do intimidates the Western countries to then engage in actions Which yet isolate more our ability to communicate with other countries Don't understand what they are doing to work better together.
It's not a fear of them because they don't align with western values. I think the fear and disconnect comes from the fact that the regime rules with absolute control, and starves out large amounts of their population. Then there's the little thing of having nuclear weapons and ICBMs that are capable of reaching everywhere around the world. But especially the US, whom they ensure nothing but hate and disgust is known throughout the entire country. But that's just my thoughts on it.