The North Korea black market fruit scheme uncovered in Kilju county has sparked a local investigation. Authorities discovered that orchards secretly diverted seasonal fruit to market vendors for illegal sales. This operation bypassed the state-controlled distribution system and generated private profits.
Since mid-July, the Kilju people’s committee has been investigating the case. Reports emerged that county orchards worked with vendors to redirect large amounts of watermelons, melons, peaches, plums, and apricots. Orchard managers initially claimed a reduced harvest, blaming late pesticide deliveries and pest damage from soil acidification.
The people’s committee accepted the explanation until mid-July, when vendors began bragging about their supply from the orchards. These remarks drew attention to possible collusion. Other vendors informed the market manager, who reported the matter to county authorities. This triggered a targeted investigation into the suspected illegal trade.
The North Korea black market fruit scheme involved disguising high-quality Grade A fruit as worm-damaged produce. Workers stored the mislabeled fruit in a separate warehouse. At night, orchard trucks delivered it to a private facility outside Kilju. From there, select vendors sold it in local markets.
Officials have chosen to keep the investigation discreet while identifying those involved. They are questioning orchard managers and tracing transportation routes. The Kilju state security department and market management office will monitor fruit sales until the end of the harvest season.
Local authorities condemn selling state-grown produce for private gain. However, residents remain indifferent, noting such practices have existed for decades. Seasonal fruit often appears in markets before reaching state-run stores, and many view this as routine.
Even so, locals criticize orchard managers who profit during watermelon and peach seasons. They believe these managers take advantage of the system for personal benefit. The incident highlights the tension between official economic rules and informal market practices in North Korea.
The North Korea black market fruit scheme illustrates ongoing challenges in enforcing state control over agricultural products. While the government seeks to regulate sales, entrenched informal networks continue to thrive. As the investigation continues, authorities face the task of curbing illegal trade without sparking public discontent.
