Suspicious Ad Appears on Russian Job Site Seeking 40 North Korean Women

An advertisement on a Russian online job platform is seeking to hire 40 North Korean women, raising concerns about potential violations of international sanctions. The ad, posted on Avito by a user named "Wonderful Employer," seeks a team of women for roles in Moscow, including food preparation, manufacturing, garment work, and agriculture.

The advertisement details specific working conditions: an 11-hour workday, 26 to 28 working days per month, and a daily wage of 480 rubles, which translates to approximately $8.20 USD. Crucially, the ad emphasizes that the women must be hired as a single team, not individually. NK News, a U.S.-based outlet specializing in North Korea, reported on the advertisement, noting that the user has been active on Avito since 2023, apparently brokering the employment of North Korean women in Moscow.

This development is significant because the employment of North Korean nationals abroad is a direct violation of United Nations Security Council sanctions. The UNSC prohibited the issuance of work permits to North Korean nationals in 2017 and mandated the repatriation of North Korean workers from abroad within 24 months. These measures are intended to prevent North Korea from generating revenue that could fund its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

While the advertisement has surfaced, it remains unconfirmed whether the 40 women have actually been hired or have begun working. However, NK News previously reported in May on an event at the AgroInvest agricultural complex in Russia's Kaluga region that mentioned the participation of North Korean female workers. This suggests a potential pattern of North Korean labor being utilized in Russia, despite international restrictions.