The Justice Department announced coordinated enforcement actions on October 13 in an alleged North Korean remote information-technology worker scheme. A 58-page federal indictment returned on October 1 charges 14 defendants with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit identity theft, and aggravated identity theft. Ashley Bostelle and Jose Pena Carrillo were arrested, while the other named defendants remained at large and two defendants remained under seal, according to the department.
Prosecutors allege that North Korean information-technology workers used stolen or fabricated identities, virtual private networks, proxy services, and U.S.-based facilitators or laptop farms to obtain remote jobs. The Justice Department says more than 70 U.S. employers were affected and approximately $3 million was generated, with revenue allegedly benefiting sanctioned North Korean entities.
The FBI says agents searched more than 40 residences in Texas from September 21 through September 25 and seized approximately 187 laptops and keyboard-video-mouse devices. The bureau also issued a public-service announcement describing indicators and safeguards for employers.