North Korean leader skirts sanctions with new Toyota Land Cruisers

Six Toyota Land Cruiser 300s were spotted in North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s 18-vehicle motorcade last week, the latest evidence of his ability to evade international sanctions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's armored Aurus limousine, center, gifted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, is surrounded by six Toyota Land Cruiser 300s last week. [YONHAP]

Six Toyota Land Cruiser 300s were spotted in North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s 18-vehicle motorcade last week, the latest evidence of his ability to evade international sanctions.

The six luxury SUVs with brand logos removed and flashing lights attached were seen surrounding Kim’s armored Aurus limousine, which was gifted to him by Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this year, according to an analysis by NK News of the North’s state-controlled Korean Central Television aired footage.

The Land Cruisers are part of Toyota’s J300 series, which have been produced since 2021 and have a starting price of around $80,000.

Also seen in the luxury convoy were two Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 SUVs, two Lexus LX SUVs, two Ford Transit vans and five old Mercedes sedans, all of which cannot officially be imported to North Korea under sanctions.

A UN Security Council resolution from 2013 banned the export of high-end cars and other luxury items to the country, while another resolution from 2017 banned the export of means of transportation.

Six Toyota Land Cruiser 300s were spotted in North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s 18-vehicle motorcade. [YONHAP]

“The frequent appearance of new models also demonstrates Kim’s ability to evade sanctions to import large items, suggesting he could do the same with weapons and related materials or production equipment,” NK News said.

Despite international sanctions, Kim is often photographed with vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and other luxury manufacturers during public appearances.

A Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 from 2019 and a Lexus LX SUV from 2022 were seen during Kim’s visit to the Ryongsong Machine Complex in Hamheung, South Hamgyong Province last year.

Japanese police in December cracked down on a used-car dealer in Japan for attempting to illegally smuggle a luxury Lexus vehicle to the North, according to a Japanese daily newspaper.

Photos released by state media often show Kim and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, wearing Swiss luxury watches, while his sister Kim Yo-jong was spotted carrying a black Dior leather bag during a visit to Russia in September.

Kim Jong-il, Kim’s late father and the former North Korean leader, enjoyed engaging in "gift politics," offering Mercedes-Benzes to loyal high-ranking officials.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]