DOJ announces charges and arrests in alleged North Korean remote-IT schemes
The Justice Department’s October 13 announcement describes an indictment, two arrests and related actions targeting alleged North Korean remote-IT worker schemes affecting more than 70 U.S. employers.
What the record says
DOJ release dated October 13, 2026.
The announcement reports two arrests and an indictment involving 14 individuals.
DOJ links new FBI employer guidance.
DOJ says the charged scheme used stolen or fabricated identities and U.S.-based laptop hosts to obtain remote work. The indictment alleges approximately $3 million in revenue. The announcement also describes a separate Texas operation involving more than 40 known or suspected laptop-farm locations and approximately 187 seized computer devices, and links new FBI employer guidance.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Employers can use the FBI public-service announcement linked by DOJ to review detection and mitigation guidance for remote hiring.
Limits and what is not established
Charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent. The Texas searches occurred September 21–25; October 13 is the date of this announcement and the newly announced indictment/arrests and guidance. The more-than-70 employer count concerns the charged scheme, not a verified count of all employers affected by every related operation.
Sources checked October 14, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
U.S. Department of Justice: original information