Cybercriminals linked to financing North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction are now facing stringent financial sanctions and travel restrictions imposed by the Australian government. These measures are part of a broader effort to curb the North Korean regime’s unlawful activities.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong revealed that the government, in collaboration with the United States, is taking decisive action against four organizations and one individual identified as contributors to North Korea’s illicit weapons program. “We recognize the significant risks and threats posed by North Korea to regional stability,” Wong stated.

Wong emphasized the importance of international cooperation in applying pressure on the North Korean regime, particularly by cutting off its financial resources. “Starving them of funds is a crucial strategy,” she noted.

The Foreign Minister expressed grave concern over the extent of North Korea’s engagement in cybercriminal activities. She urged North Korea to dismantle its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a manner that is complete, verifiable, and irreversible.

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.