North Korea taps international IT workers to fake job interviews, fund sanctions programs

North Korea is expanding a scheme where IT workers in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, India and Iran help foreign job applicants pass interviews and obtain Western contracts, with operators paid about $500 per month. Earnings are sent to Pyongyang to support sanctioned programs including weapons development, and authorities say the effort has grown globally as companies tighten checks. US government agencies, UN estimates and cybersecurity researchers warn that the operation funds cyber activity and evades sanctions, prompting increased vigilance and countermeasures.