Australia Sanctions Hackers Supporting North Korea’s Weapons Program

Australia announced sanctions against four entities and an individual believed to be involved in cybercriminal activities supporting North Korea’s weapons programs, with the action taken alongside the United States to apply pressure on North Korea’s illicit revenue networks. According to the Australian government, the measures target groups with deep links to North Korea’s malicious cyber activities, including cryptocurrency theft, fraudulent IT worker schemes, and espionage.

In early October, blockchain analysis firm Elliptic estimated that North Korean hackers stole over $2 billion in cryptocurrency during the first nine months of 2025.

The Treasury Department said that OFAC added North Korean nationals Choe Chun Pom, Han Hong Gil, Ho Jong Son, Ho Yong Chol, Jang Kuk Chol, Jong Sung Hyok, Ri Jin Hyok, and U Yong Su to its sanctions list, and also sanctioned Korea Mangyongdae Computer Technology Corporation, Ryujong Credit Bank, and 53 cryptocurrency addresses linked to cybercriminal and espionage activities.