Jin-su, who has altered his name for safety reasons, describes his experiences working covertly as an IT specialist for North Korea, with the regime relying heavily on deceptive practices to fund its operations. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, he outlined how he juggled multiple remote jobs across various countries, earning substantial wages to be funneled back to North Korea.
Previously living in North Korea, Jin-su became part of a broader scheme that has seen thousands of citizens sent overseas to earn foreign currency. These operations involve utilizing false identities, mostly impersonating Westerners, to navigate hiring processes that have become increasingly digital due to the pandemic.
Despite the inherent risks, many workers like Jin-su earn between $5,000 to over $15,000 a month, with up to 85% of their earnings returning to the regime. Much of this money comes from engaging with unwitting Western companies, often leading to potential data breaches and cyber extortion.
Jin-su explains how he secured jobs by using sophisticated tactics to mislead recruiters, often posing as Chinese nationals to gain international employment opportunities. The operation thrives not just on talent but on deception, with North Korean IT workers exploiting loopholes in freelance hiring systems.
Amid a backdrop of severe international sanctions, the North Korean government has been known to manipulate global markets through this secretive network, generating estimated revenues of between $250 million to $600 million annually, according to a UN report. This substantial income fuels continued funding for the regime amidst growing economic isolation.
Although Jin-su has managed to defect and now works legally, navigating a complex web of surveillance and potential family repercussions remains a grim reality for many still enveloped in the regime's clutches. His story serves as a crucial reminder of the lengths to which individuals are forced to go in order to survive under a repressive government.
