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The Australian federal government has taken decisive action against cybercriminals accused of channeling funds to support North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programs. In a strategic move to curb these illicit activities, financial sanctions and travel bans have been imposed.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the collaborative effort with the United States to cut off financial resources to North Korea. The measures target four entities and an individual who are believed to be financially backing the regime’s illegal weapons initiatives.
“The threat posed by North Korea to the region is significant,” Wong remarked during a recent announcement. “It’s crucial to collaborate with partners to increase pressure on the regime, and cutting off their financial resources is a key strategy.”
Wong expressed her deep concern over North Korea’s extensive involvement in harmful cyber activities, highlighting the gravity of the threat they pose.
Wong described the scale of North Korea’s involvement in malicious cyber activities as “deeply concerning”.
She called on the one-party state to abandon its “unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner”.
“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,” Wong added in a statement.
“Australia will continue to work with international partners to respond to malicious cyber activity, promote the framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and keep Australians safe.”
The US has doled out similar punishments against cybercriminals supporting the creation of weapons of mass destruction.
The US State Department earlier this week sanctioned two entities and eight people alleged to have supported North Korea’s schemes to launder funds.
It named Ryujong Credit Bank, Korea Mangyongdae Computer Technology Company and its president U Yong Su among those sanctioned.
The department said the US “strongly condemns” the activities of entities associated with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.