Microsoft has undertaken a significant operation to remove 3,000 accounts linked to North Korean IT operatives as part of its fight against international fraud.
Microsoft Account Shutdown
Microsoft has suspended 3,000 Outlook and Hotmail accounts associated with North Korean operatives posing as freelance workers. This move is part of a broader campaign to combat a global fraud scheme.
Coordinated Law Enforcement Actions
The U.S. Department of Justice supported the operation by making arrests, shutting down 29 financial accounts, and taking down nearly two dozen websites. Authorities also raided 29 'laptop farms' in the U.S. where accomplices maintained devices used by North Korean IT workers.
How the Scheme Operates
The North Korean scheme involves trained IT professionals from the DPRK applying for global tech jobs under false identities. Some companies reported them as 'some of their most talented employees.' This operation is estimated to generate up to $600 million annually.
The fight against international fraud and the use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence underscore the need for enhanced labor security.
