North Korea’s Tech Workforce Faces New US Sanctions

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North Korea’s Tech Workforce Faces New US Treasury Sanctions

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: July 09, 2025

Key Takeaways

OFAC sanctioned two individuals and four firms tied to North Korea's overseas IT job scheme;
North Korean workers used stolen US identities to secure remote cryptocurrency jobs;
The plan aimed to fund North Korea’s missile programs through overseas tech salaries.

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North Korea’s Tech Workforce Faces New US Treasury Sanctions

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The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed new sanctions on individuals and firms accused of helping North Korea place its IT workers in crypto companies.

OFAC stated on July 8 that the scheme was designed to generate funds for North Korea’s missile development.

One of those sanctioned is Song Kum Hyok, accused of collecting personal information from Americans and passing it to North Korean workers. Those workers then used the stolen identities to apply for jobs at US companies.

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Also named is Russian national Gayk Asatryan, who signed contracts with North Korean trading companies starting in 2024. According to OFAC, dozens of North Korean programmers were hired through his businesses and worked remotely while sending much of their income back home.

OFAC stated that thousands of North Korean IT workers already operate overseas, mainly in China and Russia. They often seek employment with companies in wealthier countries using common job and networking platforms.

The sanctions block all assets in the US linked to the two individuals and four Russian companies also named in the order. Americans are barred from doing business with them and could face legal penalties if they do.

Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender said the US would keep taking steps to stop North Korea from using cybercrime, stolen identities, and remote work schemes to avoid sanctions.

Recently, Ukraine froze the assets of 60 companies and 73 people linked to Russian crypto-based war funding. What did President Volodymyr Zelenskyy say? Read the full story.