Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 1 hr ago
US arrests two Americans in alleged North Korean laptop farm scheme
US authorities arrested two Americans accused of helping North Korean IT workers get jobs at US companies using stolen identities.
The Justice Department says Michael James Bostelle of Pennsylvania and Juan Ceclilio Pena Carrillo of Texas face charges including wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft.
The FBI searched more than 40 Texas homes suspected of operating as laptop farms and seized about 187 laptops and other devices.
The homes allegedly hosted company laptops, making workers overseas appear to be based in the United States.
The alleged scheme affected more than 70 US companies and exposed the identities of 25 Americans.
Officials say it generated at least $3 million for the overseas workers, helping raise money for North Korea's government.
Ten people based in China were also charged, while another named person was not charged; the sources do not describe what happens next.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrests of two Americans accused of helping North Korean IT workers obtain fraudulent jobs at U.S. companies.
The alleged scheme used Americans’ identities and homes to make North Korean workers appear to be legitimate U.S.-based employees.
The FBI searched more than 40 Texas residences between September 21 and September 25 and seized about 187 laptops and other devices.
The DOJ said the operation affected more than 70 U.S. companies, compromised 25 Americans’ identities and generated at least $3 million.
An indictment also charged 10 people based in China, while a named American was not charged.
- Who
- Michael James Bostelle and Juan Ceclilio Pena Carrillo, the two Americans arrested. The indictment also charged 10 people based in China.
- What
- They are accused of helping North Korean IT workers steal identities and get fraudulent jobs at U.S. companies.
- When
- The arrests were announced on October 13, 2026. The FBI searched residences from September 21 to September 25.
- Where
- The searches took place at more than 40 residences in Texas. The alleged scheme involved U.S. companies.
- Why
- The DOJ said the scheme generated money for the North Korean government.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The FBI searched more than 40 Texas residences suspected of operating as laptop farms and seized about 187 laptops and other devices.
The DOJ announced the arrests of Bostelle and Pena Carrillo and the charges against 10 people based in China.
- Americans arrested
- Michael James Bostelle and Juan Ceclilio Pena Carrillo
- Texas searches
- More than 40 residences
- Devices seized
- About 187 laptops and other devices
- Companies affected
- More than 70 U.S. companies
- Identities compromised
- 25 Americans
- Revenue
- At least $3 million
Sources
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