US Seeks to Seize $7.7M Tied to North Korean Hackers

The U.S. government has filed a forfeiture complaint to seize $7.7 million in funds allegedly laundered by North Korean IT workers, according to federal authorities. The money, which has been frozen for over two years, is believed to be tied to operations conducted by individuals working on behalf of North Korea through covert employment in global tech firms.

The workers reportedly obtained remote jobs in the technology sector under false identities, channelling proceeds back to North Korea in violation of U.S. sanctions. Federal prosecutors claim the scheme is part of a broader effort by the sanctioned nation to fund its operations through illicit cyber activities.

The move to seize the funds marks a continued effort by the U.S. to clamp down on North Korea’s use of cyber tactics to access hard currency. Officials emphasized the importance of disrupting illegal revenue streams supporting the country’s regime, particularly those exploiting legitimate global employment platforms.