The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 10 individuals and one entity on October 28, 2026, over their roles in North Korean government-run IT worker schemes targeting U.S. businesses. Treasury said the schemes use fraudulent documents, stolen identities and fabricated personas to obtain employment, with proceeds supporting North Korea’s weapons programs.

The designated network includes Russian and North Korean facilitators and the First Financial and Technical Development Center (FFTDC), which Treasury described as a DPRK-controlled entity located in Russia. Treasury said six Russia-based North Korean workers generated more than $750,000 for FFTDC since 2025. Property interests of designated persons within the United States or controlled by U.S. persons are blocked, subject to applicable licenses or exemptions.

Why it matters

  • The action connects deceptive hiring schemes with sanctions exposure and cryptocurrency-related financial networks.
  • U.S. persons must account for blocking requirements involving designated persons and their property interests.