North Korea has been acquiring technology for its nuclear and weapons programmes through its Berlin embassy, Germany's head of intelligence says.
Hans-Georg Maassen told NDR TV that many of these activities had been thwarted, but not all were detected.
He did not say what type of technology was procured, but said it could be used for civilian and military purposes.
North Korea has continued to develop missiles and nuclear weapons in defiance of international sanctions.
A UN report on Friday said it had continued to earn nearly $200m (£141m) last year by exporting banned commodities, and implicated several countries including China, Russia and Malaysia.
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"We have noticed that so many procurement activities have taken place from the embassy," said Mr Maassen, in an interview due to be broadcast on Monday.
"From our point of view, they were for the missile programme but also partly for the nuclear programme," he added.
"When we see such things, we stop them. But we cannot guarantee that we spot and block each attempt."
North Korea has not yet responded to Mr Maassen's comments.
