Japan Foils Attempt to Smuggle $70K Lexus to Kim Jong Un
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Japanese police foiled an attempt to smuggle a $70,000 Lexus into North Korea for Kim Jong Un, who is known to enjoy luxury vehicles despite UN sanctions.
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Kim has previously been seen riding in a $200,000 Mercedes-Maybach and a Lexus LX SUV, following in his father Kim Jong Il's footsteps.
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The smuggled Lexus was purchased in Japan for 10 million yen (about $70,000) and was to be shipped through Bangladesh, falsely claiming Singapore as the final destination.
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Kim, his family members, and North Korean elites continue to enjoy luxury goods like watches and clothing in defiance of international sanctions targeting North Korea.
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Experts call for stronger enforcement of sanctions, including targeting revenue sources and intermediaries that allow North Korea to bypass restrictions meant to limit funding for its weapons programs.