US sanctions Russians, North Koreans for laundering IT worker earnings

The Treasury Department sanctioned Russian nationals Ilya Boykov and Vitold Obertas, along with several North Korean nationals and companies, for helping launder millions in cryptocurrency earned by North Korean IT workers at US firms. Obertas allegedly laundered at least $3.5 million since January 2025, while Boykov converted about $3.5 million since 2024.

• Obertas allegedly laundered at least $3.5M in crypto since January 2025
• Boykov converted about $3.5M in cryptocurrency since 2024
• Kim Ki Hyok transferred at least $500K to North Korea since 2024
• Six IT workers earned at least $750K on behalf of a sanctioned company since 2025