North Korean Workers Describe Brutal Conditions in Russia

North Korean laborers working in Russia described extreme conditions, long hours, and no pay. One worker, identified as RT, said he worked up to 16 hours a day with no breaks and received only $10 after deductions.

A report by Global Rights Compliance highlights that Russian companies employ North Koreans in violation of U.N. sanctions. Workers are often unaware of who they are working for and have their passports confiscated upon arrival.

The program, which sends around 100,000 workers abroad, generates millions for North Korea annually. Workers face physical violence, overcrowded living conditions, and constant surveillance.

"We are people just like you but working like a cow," RT said. "We have families. We left home because we wanted to give our children something better, and what we found was a system that took everything from us."