US sanctions 2 firms, 6 individuals for funding North Korean weapons

The United States has imposed sanctions on two companies and six individuals for their roles in operations that used information technology workers in foreign countries to raise money for North Korea.The Treasury Department said the schemes, orchestrated by the North Korean government, had systematically defrauded US businesses and generated revenue to fund North Korea’s weapons programmes, including nearly US$800 million in 2024.The department also accused workers associated with North Korea of planting malware in company networks to steal corporate secrets.“The North Korean regime targets American companies through deceptive schemes carried out by its overseas IT operatives, who weaponise sensitive data and extort businesses for substantial payments,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement on Thursday.Kim Ju-ae, daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, test fires a new-type pistol during an inspection of a major munitions factory on Wednesday. Photo: KCNA/EPABessent said the US administration would continue to crack down on such North Korean activities.