Dollar Heroes

Right now North Korea runs one of the world’s largest slaving operations. Notoriously cash-strapped, the government is selling its own people as bonded labour, or slaves, to work in Russia, China, and a dozen other countries around the world – including member states of the European Union. Notoriously cash-strapped, the government is selling its own people as bonded labour, or slaves, to work in Russia, China, and a dozen other countries around the world – including member states of the European Union. While in North Korea, they are lured with a promise of high wages and glory for their families. Once enrolled, they find themselves in very foreign countries. Here they work up to 12-hour days under harsh conditions for little pay. Their ‘wages’ are transferred directly to the government, who reallocate it as they see fit. Within the European Union, workers are supposed to be protected — we want to understand how this method of operation is legal, and what — if anything — is being done to stop it.

Pohjois-Korean lähes ainoa vientituote on työvoima. Hallinto on lähettänyt tuhansia kansalaisiaan orjatöihin etenkin Venäjälle ja Kiinan, mutta myös Eurooppaan. He työskentelevät 12 tuntia päivässä, kovissa oloissa ja tiukasti valvottuina. Palkkaa he eivät saa, sillä se mene kokonaan Pohjois-Korean hallinnolle.