N. Korea Sanctions Bust

⏱ 4 min read

Three men, including Alexander Paul Travis, 35, of Augusta, Jason Salazar, 30, of Clovis, California, and Audricus Phagnasay, 25, of Fresno, California, have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a nationwide scheme that enabled North Korean workers to access U.S.-based computer networks. The scheme, which began in 2003, was designed to evade US and UN sanctions against North Korea. The defendants pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud Conspiracy and were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall.

The scheme involved the use of highly skilled North Korean IT workers who obtained remote, pseudonymous employment with companies around the world, including the United States, using false or stolen identities. The revenues from these schemes contribute to North Korea’s weapons programs in violation of US and UN sanctions. The defendants allowed these workers to create resumes in their names, enabling them to access US computer networks and earn illicit revenue for the North Korean government.

Travis was sentenced to 12 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $193,265. Salazar and Phagnasay were sentenced and ordered to forfeit $409,876 and $681,926, respectively. US Attorney Margaret E. “Meg” Heap stated that these schemes present a significant challenge to national security and praised the investigative partners working to secure the country’s digital borders.

The sentences are the result of a joint investigation by multiple agencies, including the FBI and the DOJ. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of the US government to combat sanctions evasion and protect national security. The defendants’ actions have significant implications for the country’s digital borders and the global economy.

The US government will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals and companies that engage in sanctions evasion and other illicit activities. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in protecting national security and upholding the law.