The US government is offering a $5 million reward for information about North Korean nationals engaging in cyber schemes and infiltrating American tech companies. This effort is part of a wider strategy to combat financial networks supporting North Korea’s regime.
The reward is being offered through the State Department’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which has distributed over $250 million to informants since 1984. According to a State Department statement, the reward targets activities like worker exportation, money laundering, and cyberattacks that fund the North Korean regime’s weapons programs.
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
The announcement coincides with the Department of Justice indicting 14 North Korean nationals accused of identity theft, extortion, and wire fraud. These individuals reportedly worked for North Korean-controlled firms Yanbian Silverstar and Volasys Silverstar, generating $88 million for the regime over six years.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said the workers used fake identities to gain employment with US companies, accessing sensitive information that was later exploited. She added that the indictments serve as a warning to businesses about the risks posed by North Korea’s cyber activities.
🚨🇺🇸🇰🇵 $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
US offers $5 million for info on North Korean IT worker farms https://t.co/yiH461aBaz
— Supersonic Redhead🛫 (@Supersonic_Red) December 13, 2024
In addition to freezing millions of dollars in illegal funds, federal investigators have shut down several websites linked to the schemes. The State Department is urging individuals with information to submit tips anonymously through secure channels, ensuring confidentiality.
The reward underscores the growing threat posed by North Korea’s cyber operations. US officials hope the financial incentive will lead to actionable intelligence, helping to disrupt these networks and prevent further breaches.
