Australia sanctions two North Koreans and their companies over fake IT worker scheme that funds nuclear programme

Summary

Australia said on Friday it had sanctioned two North Korean individuals and companies over their use of 'fraudulent' IT workers and cybercrime to raise money for the isolated, nuclear-armed state. Analysts estimate Pyongyang's overseas cybercriminal activities bring in billions of dollars for its weapons programme, and the South China Morning Post reports that the two men are alleged to be key operators in those activities. ABC reports that the sanctioned North Korean companies were accused of setting up an international network of IT workers to evade sanctions.

Timeline

1. South China Morning Post

   23 Oct 2026, 02:21 UTCSource ↗

   The South China Morning Post reports that Australia said on Friday it had sanctioned two North Korean individuals and companies over their use of 'fraudulent' IT workers and cybercrime to earn cash for North Korea's weapons programme.

2. ABC

   23 Oct 2026, 02:32 UTCSource ↗

   ABC reports that North Korean companies have been accused of setting up an international network of IT workers to evade sanctions, the target of Australia's latest measures.