Dozens of North Korean laptop farms discovered across Texas

In 2026, North Korea is dispatching more workers to Russia, but many recruits are unaware of their destination or job assignments. Initially, a posting to Russia seemed like a rare opportunity for North Koreans to earn money, with some paying bribes to secure their names on the dispatch list. However, as Russia's war in Ukraine continues, fewer people are willing to take up the assignment.

North Korea intensified its recruitment drive for Russia in late February, and state agencies are now determining how many workers to send, with this year's intake reportedly larger than the previous year. Workers are selected without informing them about the country, region, or type of work they will undertake, making refusal nearly impossible.

The shift in attitudes toward working in Russia is evident, with many now viewing the assignment as dangerous, especially in Pyongyang. Once a worker is recommended, they cannot refuse, and work in Russia is now seen as a form of state mobilization. The government selects the individuals needed and sends them abroad. The workers are told only that they will be sent to "Siberia or the Russian Far East," with minimal details about their specific location or duties.

This lack of information raises concerns about meaningful voluntary consent. Meanwhile, Russia faces a severe labor shortage due to the ongoing conflict, military mobilization, and an exodus of working-age men, which has created a demand for foreign labor, particularly in construction and factory work.