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North Korea probes army corruption after soldiers found starving on construction sites

North Korea’s Ministry of Defense has ordered a monthlong special inspection by military prosecutors after reports surfaced that soldiers deployed to rural construction sites are suffering severe malnutrition, with rear-service officials accused of stealing the food, clothing and medicine meant for the troops. A source in South Pyongan province told Daily NK on Tuesday that, […]

North Korea's Ministry of Defense has initiated a one-month special inspection by military prosecutors into alleged corruption and severe malnutrition among soldiers deployed to rural construction sites. According to a source from South Pyongan province, the inspection began on August 14 and targets the rear-service departments responsible for supplying food, clothing and medicine to troops.

The Ministry of Defense cited reports that soldiers on these construction sites are suffering from severe malnutrition and have even died due to overwork, with the problem attributed to officials embezzling or diverting supplies for personal gain. Early findings indicate that nearly all soldiers are weakened, with one in ten bedridden with severe malnutrition, and some have died due to lack of proper safety equipment.

If the investigation uncovers significant wrongdoing, military tribunals await the implicated rear-service officials who, if found guilty, could face severe punishment.

Written by urgent.news from Daily NK's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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