Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the targeted organisations generate revenue by illicitly acquiring funds from global financial institutions and other entities….reports Asian Lite News
The US government has announced the imposition of new sanctions on North Korean groups involved in raising funds for Pyongyang’s weapons programs through hacking.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the targeted organisations generate revenue by illicitly acquiring funds from global financial institutions and other entities.
The Treasury Department also revealed that North Korea dispatches numerous tech workers abroad to engage in malicious cyber activities supporting the government.
The sanctions primarily focus on four organizations, including the Pyongyang University of Automation and the Chinyong Information Technology Cooperation Company.
Additionally, the Technical Reconnaissance Bureau and the 110th Research Centre, responsible for cyber tactics and targeting media and defence companies, were also subjected to sanctions.
Kim Sang Man, identified as a paymaster based in Vladivostok, Russia, was also sanctioned.
“Furthermore, Kim has been involved in the sale and transfer of IT equipment for the DPRK and, as recently as 2021, received cryptocurrency funds transfers from IT teams located in China and Russia that were valued at more than $2 million USD,” the Treasury Department said in a statement.
“Kim maintained awareness of cryptocurrency payments from a company under his leadership that were being sent to the DPRK. Kim has been affiliated with the U.S.-designated Korea Computer Centre and worked as an IT developer in the DPRK prior to being selected as an agent of the UN- and U.S.-designated RGB, in order to earn foreign currency,” the statement added.
The US actions were taken in coordination with South Korea to address North Korea’s persistent efforts to illegally acquire funds and combat cyber theft.