DPRK IT workers contracted to Guinea
2024-10-17 • Pyongyang Papers •
https://pyongyangpapers.com/investigations/dprk-it-workers-contracted-to-guinea/
Pyongyang Papers alleges that Guinea Information Technology Development Corporation and N’deye & Tou Dista Corporation contracted at least 70 North Korean IT workers, extending a sanctions evasion model that sends overseas developers to earn revenue for Pyongyang. The article says DPRK workers hide their nationality and identities, approach smaller companies through social media, sometimes offer free services to build trust, and prioritize blockchain and cryptocurrency projects where access can later support theft or heists. It names Cheick Aboubacar Traore and Aissatou Kalissa as company leaders tied to the activity and places one operation at a cybercafe in Conakry. The report frames the Guinea contracts as part of a broader DPRK revenue stream, with workers earning thousands of dollars per month while routing funds back to the regime.