American Faces Sentencing in $600M North Korea IT Scheme

Arizona woman, Christina Chapman, is facing sentencing next week for her role in a scheme that allowed North Korean IT workers to obtain remote jobs at over 300 U.S. companies using stolen identities. The workers allegedly funneled $17.1 million in wages to North Korea, contributing to the regime's nuclear weapons program. Chapman pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy charges and is accused of aiding the workers by verifying identities, installing remote access software, and transferring payments. In 2023, authorities raided Christina Chapman's suburban Arizona home and discovered 90 laptops, each labeled with company names and containing stolen identities. Over a three-year period, she allegedly supported the scheme and hired two assistants to assist in its management. Authorities say the broader scheme brings in up to $600 million annually for North Korea. Prosecutors are seeking a nine-year prison sentence.