Christina Chapman of Arizona stands accused of orchestrating a complex scheme that involved stealing the identities of 60 Americans to provide remote jobs and generous salaries to individuals in North Korea. This operation, described as "staggering," has drawn attention to the broader issue of North Korean efforts to channel funds back to Pyongyang, potentially to support its weapons program.
Chapman faces nine counts of conspiring to commit fraud against the US, along with three North Korean nationals. The North Korean individuals, described as IT professionals, assumed false identities as Americans to secure employment and income from US companies. The scheme generated nearly $7 million, which was sent back to North Korea.
The court documents reveal a sophisticated operation that targeted approximately 300 US companies, including Fortune 500 companies, a major television network, a prominent Silicon Valley tech company, and a well-known American auto manufacturer. Chapman allegedly operated a "laptop farm" from her home, where she manipulated company-issued laptops to make it appear as though the North Korean individuals were working from within the US.
Chapman profited from the scheme by charging monthly fees to the North Korean workers for her services. Additionally, she reportedly attempted to facilitate their employment at US government agencies. The Justice Department's Criminal Division emphasized the severity of the charges, noting that the crimes benefited the North Korean government by providing it with a revenue stream and, in some cases, access to proprietary information.
Chapman's arrest, along with the apprehension of the three North Korean individuals connected to the Munitions Industry Department, highlights the ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit activities that support North Korea's weapons manufacturing. The case serves as a warning to American companies and government agencies that employ remote IT workers, urging them to remain vigilant against similar schemes in the future.
