**North Korean IT Workers Sent Abroad to Fund Regime Through Remote Jobs**
North Korea has been secretly sending IT workers abroad to earn money for the regime through fraudulent remote jobs, according to a rare interview with a defector named Jin-su (a pseudonym). Posing as Western freelancers, these workers secure positions in US and European companies, earning thousands of dollars monthly—85% of which is sent back to Pyongyang. Jin-su, who worked in China before defecting, described using fake identities, often borrowed from UK citizens, to bypass sanctions and maximize earnings. A 2024 UN report estimates that North Korean IT workers generate $250 million to $600 million annually, with some even engaging in hacking and ransom schemes.
The scheme expanded during the pandemic as remote work became widespread, allowing North Koreans to exploit lax hiring processes on freelancing platforms. Some workers have been caught using AI filters to disguise their identities during interviews. The US has indicted multiple individuals involved, including a woman sentenced to eight years for aiding North Korean IT workers. Experts warn that companies must enhance verification processes to prevent unknowingly hiring sanctioned workers.
Jin-su’s testimony aligns with other defectors’ accounts, revealing a well-organized operation that provides a rare financial lifeline for the heavily sanctioned regime. Despite the risks, many workers see it as an improvement over life in North Korea, where internet access is restricted. The North Korean government has not responded to the allegations.
*Source: BBC Trending & BBC News, August 1, 2025*
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