The US government has launched a $5 million reward program to target North Korean nationals infiltrating American tech companies and engaging in cyber schemes. The effort is part of a broader strategy to disrupt financial networks that support the North Korean regime.
The reward is being offered through the State Department’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which has paid over $250 million to tipsters since 1984. According to a State Department statement, the initiative seeks to address activities like money laundering, worker exportation, and cyberattacks that fund North Korea’s weapons proliferation efforts.
US offers $5 million bounty for information on North Korean IT firms
The firms are suspected of placing workers in US firms to extort money to fund North Korea’s weapons programs. https://t.co/x1ERL6WB7e
— Karol Cummins – New Acct (@karolcummins) December 16, 2024
This announcement follows a Department of Justice indictment of 14 North Korean nationals for their roles in an identity theft and extortion scheme. The individuals allegedly worked for North Korean-controlled companies Yanbian Silverstar and Volasys Silverstar, which operated out of China and Russia. These companies employed IT workers who generated $88 million between 2017 and 2023.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated that North Korean workers used stolen identities to secure IT jobs in the US, gaining access to sensitive information that was later used for extortion. She emphasized that the indictment highlights North Korea’s attempts to evade sanctions and warned businesses to remain vigilant.
🚨🇺🇸🇰🇵 $5M REWARD: NORTH KOREAN “IT PROS” SCAMMED U.S. COMPANIES
Turns out, North Korean “tech geniuses” weren’t just coding—they were stealing trade secrets and raking in $88M from U.S. companies between 2017-2023 to fund Pyongyang’s weapons program.
Using fake identities,… pic.twitter.com/3DN29jPGhc
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 12, 2024
The investigation has led to significant progress, including the freezing of illegal funds and the closure of websites tied to the schemes. The Justice Department is encouraging individuals with information to report anonymously via the RFJ website or a Tor-based platform.
US offers $5 million for info on North Korean IT worker farms https://t.co/yiH461aBaz
— Supersonic Redhead🛫 (@Supersonic_Red) December 13, 2024
The US government views North Korea’s cyber operations as a growing threat and hopes the reward will incentivize whistleblowers to expose these networks. This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to countering North Korea’s illicit activities and protecting American interests.
