North Korea has reportedly continued to develop nuclear weapons and produce nuclear fissile material in 2023, despite United Nations sanctions aimed at cutting off funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

According to an unpublished United Nations report seen by Reuters, the country has also been evading these sanctions and engaging in cyber thefts. In particular, North Korean hackers have targeted cyber cryptocurrency and other financial exchanges globally, successfully stealing funds and information.

The report, written by independent sanctions monitors, accuses North Korea of using cyber attacks to help fund its nuclear and missile programs. However, North Korea has denied these allegations. In addition to their cyber activities, North Korea's Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), its primary foreign intelligence agency, has been using increasingly sophisticated techniques to steal funds and information.

Companies in the crypto-currency, defense, energy, and health sectors have been targeted, and the monitors have noted that North Korea continues to access the international financial system and engage in illicit financial operations. The monitors have also reported ongoing illicit exports of coal and various sanctions evasion measures deployed by vessels delivering refined petroleum products to North Korea.

In violation of sanctions, North Korea has acquired 14 new vessels, and trade volumes have increased, primarily due to the resumption of rail traffic. Foreign goods have quickly reappeared in the country, prompting the monitors to investigate illicit imports of luxury goods. Furthermore, the report highlights the alleged export of military communications equipment, ammunition, and other types of military support by North Korea to member states.

The monitors are currently investigating these claims. North Korea has been under United Nations sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs since 2006, and while there have been efforts to strengthen these measures, the 15-member body is deadlocked as China and Russia push for them to be eased in order to encourage Pyongyang to return to denuclearization talks.

Overall, the unpublished United Nations report raises serious concerns about North Korea's continued development of nuclear weapons, its evasion of sanctions, and its involvement in cyber thefts. The international community will need to address these issues effectively in order to ensure peace and stability in the region.