Taiwan Blacklists Ships Linked to North Korean Smuggling

• •Taiwan blacklisted 52 Chinese-owned ships for ties to North Korean smuggling.
• •The vessels are suspected of evading sanctions through ship-to-ship transfers.
• •Increased inspections could disrupt shipping routes and raise insurance premiums.

Taiwan has blacklisted at least 52 Chinese-owned vessels allegedly involved in smuggling operations connected to North Korea, as reported by the Financial Times on July 10, 2026. These ships, operating under flags of convenience, are suspected of evading international sanctions imposed on North Korea since Taiwan banned trade with the country in 2017. The investigation highlights the use of ship-to-ship transfers to obscure the origins of goods, particularly oil and coal, which are for North Korea's economy and military programs. The Lazarus Group, a North Korean hacking entity, has previously been linked to significant cryptocurrency thefts, although no direct ties to crypto were found in this maritime context. The situation raises concerns over regional security and the effectiveness of sanctions enforcement. Increased inspections could lead to longer transit times and higher insurance costs for vessels in the area.