What has ZachXBT uncovered about North Korean IT workers?

ZachXBT traced a 390-account network generating $3.5M+ in crypto since late 2024, linking freelance gigs to regime funding.

How do North Korean IT workers get paid in crypto?

They request USDT or similar on Tron via freelance platforms, masking flows through mixers and proxies.

Will platforms like Upwork ban crypto payments after this?

Likely partial restrictions incoming, but full bans risk user backlash—watch for enhanced KYC instead.

🔗 Crypto & Blockchain

ZachXBT Blows Open North Korean IT Hustle Pulling $3.5M in Crypto Monthly

A shadowy network of North Korean IT workers, masquerading as freelancers, has funneled over $3.5 million in crypto payments through 390 accounts since November 2024. ZachXBT's latest probe exposes the scale—and the crypto world's blind spots.

theAIcatchup Apr 09, 2026 4 min read

Infographic of ZachXBT's North Korean IT worker network showing 390 accounts and $3.5M crypto flows

⚡ Key Takeaways

ZachXBT exposed a 390-account NK IT network generating $3.5M in crypto since Nov 2024, averaging $1M/month. 𝕏
Freelance platforms' weak KYC enables this; crypto's speed aids evasion. 𝕏
Expect tighter compliance, potential 'ZachXBT Index' for wallet risk scoring by 2025. 𝕏

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theAIcatchup

Markets. Money. Innovation.

#North Korea IT workers #ZachXBT #crypto laundering #freelance scams

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Originally reported by The Block

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