[3] The organization is estimated to bring in between $500 million and $1 billion per year or more[4] and is involved in illegal activities, such as counterfeiting U.S. $100 bills, producing controlled substances (including the synthesis of methamphetamine and the conversion of morphine into more potent opiates like heroin), and international insurance fraud.
[6] Room 39 is believed to be located inside a ruling Workers' Party building in Pyongyang,[7] not far from one of the North Korean leader's residences.
[10] In early 2010, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that Kim Dong-un, head of the department, was replaced by his deputy, Jon Il-chun.
[6] In July 2017, Chon Il-chun, first vice department director of the party's Central Committee and a former classmate of Kim Jong Il, was leader of the office.
[14] A 2007 report published by the Millennium Project of the World Federation of United Nations Associations said North Korea makes an estimated $500 million to $1 billion annually from illegal enterprises.
[15] Criminal operations reported to be run by Room 39 include trafficking fake US dollars, peddling bogus Viagra, exporting the recreational drug N-methylamphetamine, obtaining Russian oil using dealers in Singapore, and hacking into cryptocurrency exchange platforms.