North Korean IT Workers Infiltrate Tech and Crypto Projects, Pocket Over $16 Million
2025-07-03 05:04:16

Main Idea
North Korean IT workers have infiltrated tech and crypto projects, funneling over $16.58 million in 2025 through deceptive tactics and bypassing security checks.
Key Points
1. Over $16.58 million has been sent to North Korean IT workers in 2025, averaging $2.76 million per month.
2. These workers earn between $3,000 and $8,000 per month, suggesting 345 to 920 compromised jobs.
3. They use Russian IP addresses while claiming to be based in the U.S., frequently change GitHub usernames, and delete LinkedIn profiles after securing jobs.
4. Many fail basic KYC checks but still access regulated platforms like Circle and U.S.-based exchanges.
5. Startups are at high risk due to prioritizing cost-cutting over background checks, creating an environment ripe for exploitation.
Description
Over $16.58 million has been funneled to North Korean IT workers so far in 2025 These workers pose as freelancers to get jobs at hundreds of crypto and tech startups They bypass security checks and route crypto payments to sanctioned DPRK-linked addresses A growing national security concern is unfolding quietly across the global tech and crypto industries. According to data from the on-chain sleuth ZachXBT, over $16.58 million has been funneled to North Korean IT workers since the start of 2025 ...
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