Justice Department announces arrests in alleged North Korean IT worker scheme
U.S. authorities say the alleged remote-worker scheme affected more than 70 companies. Searches of suspected laptop farms in Texas led to the seizure of about 187 devices.
The U.S. Justice Department announced two arrests and an indictment on October 13, 2026, in an alleged North Korean remote IT worker scheme affecting more than 70 U.S. companies. Authorities also searched suspected laptop farms in Texas and seized about 187 computer devices.
Texas searches and affected companies
Reuters reported that the FBI carried out searches and other actions at more than 40 Texas residences from September 21 to September 25. The Justice Department has not named the affected companies; TechCrunch reported that authorities described employers in healthcare, cyber support, retail, communications and manufacturing.
The department says the conduct described in court documents remains alleged, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Sources and context
- Justice Department says North Koreans have infiltrated dozens of U.S. companiesTechCrunch
- DOJ arrests two, seizes 187 devices in North Korean laptop farm crackdown in TexasReuters (republished by The Straits Times)
- Justice Department Announces Coordinated Actions to Combat North Korean Remote IT Worker Schemes Affecting More than 70 U.S. CompaniesU.S. Department of Justice
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.
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