Source: Cointelegraph Original: "{title}"

Google has stated that fake tech workers linked to North Korea are expanding their infiltration efforts into blockchain companies outside the United States, following increased scrutiny from U.S. authorities, with some having already infiltrated crypto projects in the UK.

Jamie Collier, a consultant for Google's Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG), reported on April 2 that while the U.S. remains a primary target, North Korean IT workers are being forced to find positions in non-U.S. companies due to challenges with work eligibility verification and heightened awareness.

Collier stated, "In response to domestic vigilance regarding this threat, they have established a global ecosystem of false identities to enhance operational flexibility."

He added, "Combined with the promoters found in the UK, this indicates that they are rapidly building a global infrastructure and support network, enabling them to continue operations."

GTIG noted that North Korean tech workers have expanded their influence amid U.S. crackdown efforts. Source: Google

According to Collier, these North Korea-linked workers are infiltrating multiple projects, including traditional website development and advanced blockchain applications, with projects related to Solana and Anchor smart contract development among them.

Another project building a blockchain job market and utilizing blockchain technology for AI web applications has also identified the presence of North Korean workers.

Collier remarked, "These individuals pose as legitimate remote workers, infiltrating companies and generating revenue for the regime. This puts organizations hiring North Korean (DPRK) IT workers at risk of espionage, data theft, and sabotage."

North Korea Seeks Tech Positions in Europe

In addition to the UK, Collier noted that GTIG has identified a significant focus in Europe, with one worker using at least 12 false identities, while others used resumes listing degrees from the University of Belgrade and residing in Slovakia.

Another independent investigation by GTIG found individuals seeking jobs in Germany and Portugal, obtaining user account login credentials from European job websites, providing guides for browsing European job sites, and discovering a broker specializing in forged passports.

Meanwhile, since the end of October last year, North Korean workers have increased their instances of extortion, targeting larger organizations, with GTIG speculating that this may be due to the pressure from U.S. crackdown efforts, as workers need to maintain income sources.

Collier stated, "In these incidents, recently laid-off IT workers have threatened to leak sensitive data from former employers or provide the data to competitors. This data includes proprietary information and source code for internal projects."

In January, the U.S. Department of Justice charged two North Korean citizens with participating in a fraudulent IT job scheme involving at least 64 U.S. companies, running from April 2018 to August 2024.

The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has also sanctioned some companies accused of being North Korean "fronts," which generate revenue for North Korea through remote IT job schemes.

Cryptocurrency founders have also reported an increase in North Korean hacking activities, with at least three founders reporting on March 13 that they successfully thwarted attempts to steal sensitive data through fake Zoom calls.

Having audio issues on your Zoom call? That's not a VC, it's North Korean hackers. Fortunately, this founder realized what was going on. The call starts with a few "VCs" on the call. They send messages in the chat saying they can't hear your audio, or suggesting there's an… pic.twitter.com/ZnW8Mtof4F

In August, blockchain investigator ZachXBT claimed to have uncovered a complex network of North Korean developers who work for "well-known" crypto projects, earning up to $500,000 a month.

Related: UK Trade Body Urges Government to Prioritize Cryptocurrency as a "Strategic Focus"

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