Japan to Boost North-Bound Mail Checks

The Japanese government has decided to intensify its scrutiny of international packages headed to North Korea that may contain money, according to a Mainichi Daily News report yesterday.

The report said that the Japanese government held a conference on the kidnapping issue and established a “Strict Law Enforcement Department Meeting” to discuss a plan to increase pressure on North Korea and resolve the kidnapping situation.

While the Japanese government avoids trying to influence the North Korean economic situation directly, a heightened mail inspection policy may affect the North Korean economy.

In 2004 alone, money sent through the mail to the North was three times that of the previous year, arriving through 1,560 packages and attracting attention as one of North Korea’s new foreign currency acquisition methods.

Insured packages are allowed to contain up to 480,000 yen, but the Japanese government reports that there are packages which exceed that limit.

The Japanese government will now demand confirmation of whether or not the limit is exceeded at post office windows, requiring the opening of packages if necessary.

In addition, the Japanese government, in order to prevent the export of equipment which could be put to military use, has decided to conduct surprise inspections of 100 Japanese export companies. It will also strengthen surveillance of money laundering and its anti- drug trafficking operations at sea.

Kwang-Am Cheon iam@donga.com