The US government has announced a $5 million reward for information about North Korean nationals infiltrating American tech companies or engaging in cyber schemes. This effort is part of a broader crackdown on financial networks that support North Korea’s weapons programs and sanctions evasion.

The reward is offered through the State Department’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which has paid over $250 million to tipsters since its inception in 1984. In a statement Thursday, the State Department emphasized the importance of disrupting financial mechanisms tied to North Korea’s illicit activities. This includes the exportation of North Korean workers, money laundering, and cyberattacks that generate revenue for the regime.

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 followed indictments issued by the Department of Justice on Wednesday against 14 North Korean nationals involved in identity theft, wire fraud, and extortion. These individuals allegedly worked for North Korean-controlled IT companies Yanbian Silverstar and Volasys Silverstar, operating out of China and Russia.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated that the scheme, which spanned from 2017 to 2023, generated $88 million for the regime. She explained that North Korean IT workers used stolen and fake identities to secure jobs with US companies and nonprofits, accessing sensitive information that was later used for extortion.

🚨🇺🇸🇰🇵 $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 Justice Department highlighted its success in freezing millions of dollars in illegal funds and shutting down websites linked to these crimes. Monaco noted that the indictment exposes North Korea’s sanctions evasion tactics while serving as a warning to businesses worldwide.

Individuals with information can anonymously submit tips via the RFJ website or a secure Tor-based reporting channel. The Justice Department is urging anyone with knowledge of these schemes to come forward, ensuring the confidentiality of tipsters.

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’s strategy aims to dismantle North Korea’s financial networks and curb its ability to evade sanctions. This latest move underscores the significant threat posed by North Korea’s cyber operations and the ongoing efforts to hold the regime accountable.