North Korean IT Workers: A Hidden Economy Funding the Regime

North Korean defector Jin-su shares his experiences as an undercover IT worker in a scheme that raises significant funds for the regime through remote jobs with Western companies, exposing the harsh realities and risks faced by those involved.

North Korean defectors are shedding light on a troubling and concealed network used to generate foreign currency for the regime. Jin-su, a name withheld for safety, recently detailed his experience working as an undercover IT worker for North Korea, a venture that reportedly rakes in between $250 million and $600 million annually according to a UN Security Council report.

In an exclusive interview, Jin-su explained how he employed hundreds of fake identities to secure remote jobs in Western tech companies, generating more than $5,000 (£3,750) monthly. This income primarily funded the North Korean regime, which is under heavy international sanctions. "It's like robbery, but we just accept it as our fate," Jin-su remarked, emphasizing this was preferable to conditions back home.

During the pandemic, demand for remote work soared, providing an opportunistic surge for North Korean operatives. While most IT workers strive for a stable paycheck to send back home, some also resort to data theft and extortion. In a recent U.S. indictment, 14 individuals were charged for generating $88 million through deceptive practices.

Jin-su recounted the intricate methods he and his colleagues used to secure false identities, often posing as ethnic Chinese to bypass restrictions and access better jobs in regions like Europe and the U.S. "If you put an 'Asian face' on that profile, you'll never get a job," he noted, highlighting the challenges they face in the employment market.

Recruiting managers across the tech industry are increasingly suspicious of candidates they believe to be North Korean operatives. Rob Henley, a co-founder of Ally Security, recounted interviewing numerous North Koreans unnoticed, finding it a tedious task to differentiate the genuine candidates from those veiling their identity.

Despite the monetary advantages, staying hidden and navigating a web of lies is risky. Jin-su, who eventually defected after years of restrictive labor conditions in China, described the "sense of confinement" that plagued him throughout his work life. Though many workers experience more freedom than they would back home, escaping is fraught with danger, as it may result in severe consequences for the defectors' families.

Now thriving in his new life, Jin-su continues to work in IT, noting that he earns less than during his time with the regime but enjoys retaining a fairer portion of his pay. "Before, I was used to making money through illegal means," he said. "Now, I work hard and earn what I truly deserve."