U.S. Indicts 14 North Korean IT Workers for $88 Million Scam, Offers $5 Million Reward for Info on 36 Critical Infrastructures

Dec 13, 2024, 05:38 AM

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted 14 North Korean nationals for their involvement in a scheme that exploited remote work to generate illicit revenue for the regime, amounting to at least $88 million over six years. The workers, posing as IT professionals, infiltrated American companies and engaged in activities such as stealing sensitive information and extorting payments. This operation has been linked to funding North Korea's weapons programs. In response to these activities, the U.S. Treasury Department has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information on North Korean IT companies and their operatives. The indictment highlights the ongoing challenges posed by North Korea's cyber operations, which have reportedly infiltrated numerous businesses worldwide, including Australian firms. Experts warn that the regime's tactics take advantage of post-COVID remote work practices, allowing it to access Western trade secrets while evading sanctions.