North Korean IT worker scheme: 14 indicted over fraud affecting more than 70 U.S. companies

A North Korean IT worker scheme allegedly affecting more than 70 U.S. companies has led to charges against 14 people, the Justice Department announced on October 13.

Prosecutors say overseas workers used false identities and U.S.-based facilitators to secure remote technology jobs. The alleged conspiracy generated approximately $3 million in revenue for the workers.

FBI seizes 187 devices in Texas searches

In a separate operation announced alongside the indictment, the FBI searched more than 40 residences in Texas and seized approximately 187 laptops and other computer devices. Authorities also announced two arrests.

Investigators described the residences as “laptop farms,” where facilitators hosted employer-issued computers, allowing North Korean workers abroad to access them remotely and appear to be working from the United States.

The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice. United States Department of Justice