Nashville Man Accused of Helping North Koreans Get Remote IT Jobs
Alleged Laptop Farm Part of Scheme to Raise Funds for Weapons Program
North Korean IT Workers Used Stolen US Identity to Obtain Remote Work
The US Department of Justice has charged a Nashville man, Matthew Isaac Knoot, 38, with conspiracy for helping North Korean tech workers obtain remote IT jobs with American and British companies.
The workers used the stolen identity of a US citizen, Andrew M., to secure the jobs, and the scheme allegedly generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in income for North Korea's weapons program.
Knoot faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Details of the Scheme
- Knoot allegedly ran a "laptop farm" out of his home, providing remote desktop applications to North Korean IT workers.
- The workers appeared to be working from within the US, but were actually located in China.
- The companies that hired the workers were unaware that they were dealing with North Korean nationals.
Impact on North Korea's Weapons Program
The money generated by the scheme is alleged to have been funneled into North Korea's weapons program.
North Korea is under international sanctions for its nuclear and missile programs, and the US has been cracking down on its ability to generate revenue.
The Justice Department's action against Knoot is part of a broader effort to disrupt North Korea's illicit activities.
Additional Charges Against Knoot
- Identity theft
- Conspiracy to cause the unlawful employment of aliens
- Money laundering
Investigation and Charges
Knoot was arrested on Thursday, August 4, 2023, and charged by the Justice Department.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Nashville Field Office and the US Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.
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