US Launches Major Crackdown on North Korean IT Schemes Funding Weapons Programs

The United States has imposed sweeping new sanctions on a North Korean trading company and three individuals accused of running illicit IT worker schemes to funnel money into North Korea's weapons programs. The Korea Sobaeksu Trading Company and its associates allegedly helped North Korea evade existing US and UN sanctions by exploiting global IT talent and orchestrating illegal financial transfers. In addition to sanctions, the US is offering up to $15 million in rewards for information leading to the arrest of key North Korean nationals involved in these criminal networks. Officials say these operations have also helped bolster Russia's war in Ukraine. The coordinated actions aim to disrupt North Korea's ability to generate revenue for its nuclear and ballistic missile development.