第二回多国間制裁モニタリング・チーム（MSMT）報告書発表イベントにおける山﨑大使ステートメント

 
I would like to thank those who are present at today’s side-event.
 
First of all, I would like to reiterate that the MSMT plays a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions on North Korea after the deplorable loss of the Panel of Experts of the 1718 Committee due to Russia’s veto.
 
As the MSMT report notes, the value of cryptocurrency theft by DPRK amounts to more than 2.8 billion USD in less than two years. We cannot underestimate how much North Korea has gained in revenue from malicious cyber activities for the sake of developing its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, which is a clear violation of relevant Security Council resolutions.
 
The MSMT report does not intend to name and shame, but rather aims to share information and raise awareness about North Korea’s activities related to the violations and evasions of Security Council resolutions, and encourage all Member States to take actions. As mentioned in the report’s recommendations, Japan believes that raising awareness across international society, including the maintenance and development of capabilities to trace cryptocurrency transactions, is important to prevent North Korea from employing its malicious cyber activities.
 
Japanese companies are also targeted by North Korean hackers and for instance, the hackers stole $308 million worth Bitcoin from DMM Bitcoin. The company was forced to shut down their operations.
 
Last year, Japan issued an updated alert to provide detailed information on new tradecraft used by North Korean IT workers, and gave advice to private sectors to mitigate the risk of inadvertently hiring, supporting, or outsourcing work to North Korean IT workers.
 
As we will hear the views from the private sector later on, I would like to reiterate the importance of the cooperation between governments and the private sector in pursuit of this endeavor.
 
The report describes cases of malicious activities of North Korean IT workers across the world, including Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, but we are afraid that this is just a tip of the iceberg.  Therefore, I would like to call on all UN Member States to remain vigilant and to make the necessary measures in the financial and institutional systems.
 
Japan, together with MSMT participating countries, stands ready to assist if any Member State needs support and to work with the Security Council and the 1718 Committee for further cooperation on this matter.
 
I thank you.