Among those indicted is an Arizona woman who helped North Korean IT workers validate their stolen identities to pose as US citizens. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) — North Korea — is more motivated than most nation-states to pursue profits because the regime is heavily sanctioned, according to experts. "One thing I like to tell people ... is stop looking at North Korea as if it's a government and start looking at them as a criminal enterprise," he says. North Korea's IT Freelance ArmyThe goal of the scheme is for North Korea to have its IT workers generate revenue through freelance contracts with companies in wealthier nations, including those in North America, Europe, and East Asia. North Korea's Captive WorkersThe North Korean government is well known for its efforts in circumventing sanctions, using activities such as forced overseas labor, arms trafficking, drug manufacture and smuggling, and counterfeit pharmaceuticals, Kern says.