Defector families in North Korea turn away remittance brokers, threaten to report them

Families of North Korean defectors are rejecting remittance brokers and threatening to report them to state security in 2026. This comes as fear of punishment and suspicion of brokers working as informants forces families to give up much-needed money before winter. In October, a broker in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong province, was met with refusal and a threat of reporting when he tried to deliver cash to a defector's family.

Defector families have previously turned down money, but now they actively drive brokers away. The National Intelligence Agency, North Korea's secret police, has intensified surveillance and crackdowns along the China border, where most remittances enter the country. Brokers transport money via informal networks, taking a share of each transfer.

Arrested brokers face detention and a return to their hometown for investigation. Brokers rely on brokers sending a recording of the money's receipt. Failure to deliver results in lost commissions and travel expenses. Refusals occur especially among families who have previously been questioned by the agency. Instead of accepting the money, families prefer to go hungry rather than face potential interrogation or losing the funds.