The Australian government announced sanctions against four entities and an individual believed to be involved in cybercriminal activities supporting North Korea’s weapons programs.
“The Australia Government is taking this action with the United States to apply pressure on North Korea’s illegal revenue generation networks and address its persistent challenges to security and stability,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
The financial sanctions, accompanied by travel bans, target entities believed to have deep links with North Korea’s malicious cyber activities, such as 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.
“Australia will continue to work with international partners to respond to malicious cyber activity, promote the framework for responsible state behavior in cyberspace and keep Australians safe,” Wong said.
The minister also called on North Korea to comply with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions to abandon its weapons programs irreversibly.
The sanctions were announced shortly after the US imposed sanctions against a group of bankers, financial institutions, and others allegedly involved in laundering money for North Korean cybercriminals.
Pyongyang, the Treasury Department said, is laundering funds from illicit cyber activities through a network of banking representatives, financial institutions, and shell companies, mainly in North Korea, China, and Russia.
Last week, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (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 list of sanctioned individuals.
OFAC also sanctioned North Korean organizations Korea Mangyongdae Computer Technology Corporation and Ryujong Credit Bank, and listed 53 cryptocurrency addresses linked to cybercriminal and espionage activities.
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