DOJ Arrests Two Americans, Seizes Devices in North Korean Laptop Farm Crackdown in Texas
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the arrests of two Americans, Michael James Bostelle of Pennsylvania and Juan Cecilio Pena Carrillo of Texas, on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. These arrests are part of a crackdown on a scheme that allegedly helped North Korean IT workers steal identities and fraudulently obtain employment at U.S. companies. The operation generated at least $3 million for the North Korean government. The FBI conducted searches at over 40 residences in Texas between September 21 and September 25, believed to be operating as 'laptop farms' for these North Korean workers, seizing approximately 187 laptops and other devices. The indictment also charges several China-based individuals for their roles in directing the operation. The Americans involved allegedly recruited, managed, and trained others to allow their personal information to be used, receiving and hosting laptops from U.S. victim companies to create the illusion that the North Koreans ...
