Former North Korean IT worker exposes regime's funding scheme

A former North Korean IT worker shares insights into a scheme funding the regime.

Revealing the secret world of North Korean IT workers

Jin-su, a former North Korean IT worker, disclosed in a recent interview how he used fake identities to secure remote jobs with Western companies. This was part of a larger scheme aimed at generating funds for Kim Jong Un’s regime. Earning approximately $5,000 a month from multiple positions, he sent most of his income back to North Korea. His account offers a glimpse into the lives of IT workers who have been dispatched abroad, often against their will, to bolster the regime's finances during a time of strict international sanctions. It’s reported that these clandestine operations bring in between $250 million and $600 million annually for the state, especially thriving during the pandemic when remote work became widespread.

The revelations by Jin-su underpin a significant issue regarding North Korea's ability to generate income outside its borders, particularly through technological avenues. This highlights the persistence of illicit activities despite global sanctions aimed at crippling the regime's finances. The existence of such clandestine operations raises questions about the effectiveness of international efforts to contain North Korea's revenue streams. Furthermore, as remote work remains prevalent, the potential for exploitation in global labor markets becomes glaringly apparent, revealing vulnerabilities that may be exploited by other rogue states as well.

Highlights

The implications of this operation extend far beyond just North Korea, raising alarms about cybersecurity and the integrity of global labor markets.