U.S. sanctions 10 individuals, entity over N. Korean IT worker fraud schemes

The United States imposed sanctions on Wednesday against what the Treasury Department identified as North Korean government-run schemes that utilize IT workers to defraud U.S. businesses and fund Pyongyang's weapons programs. The Treasury Department revealed that these schemes entail North Korean IT workers obtaining employment with companies in the United States and abroad, with Pyongyang retaining the majority of the workers' wages to finance its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.

The department emphasized that these networks are interconnected with the global financial system, necessitating a coordinated response to counter the threat. Moreover, the Treasury Department mentioned that Australia and the European Union also imposed sanctions related to North Korea in the same month. North Korea's representative at the United Nations in New York did not respond to a request for comment at the time.

The sanctions come amid U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to revive talks with North Korea, although Pyongyang has demonstrated little willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at curbing its nuclear program. However, earlier this month, Trump had expressed a desire to kickstart negotiations with the regime.