North Korea FX Revenue Boosted by Russia Arms Sales, Cyber Crime

North Korea’s foreign currency earnings have reached their highest levels since before sweeping sanctions were imposed in 2018 over its banned weapons programs, driven by cyber-heists and arms sales to Russia, US intelligence authorities said.

North Korea earns at least $1 billion annually from its illicit cyber operations, which help fund its military and leader Kim Jong Un’s push for ever more advanced missiles and nuclear capabilities, according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Pyongyang has become increasingly sophisticated in circumventing security measures, the agency said in its annual report assessing worldwide threats.