Mexican scientist arrested in the Netherlands over alleged role in North Korean scheme
Dutch authorities have arrested a Mexican scientist accused by U.S. prosecutors of aiding North Korea in operating so-called "laptop farms," a scheme allegedly designed to bypass American sanctions and generate revenue for the regime of Kim Jong-un, NOS reports.
The arrest stems from allegations detailed in U.S. court documents, which claim the laptops were part of a broader operation by North Korean IT professionals to funnel millions of dollars to their government.
The United States has imposed strict sanctions on North Korea for years, aiming to curtail the regime's ability to generate revenue. Despite these restrictions, North Korean operatives have allegedly used laptop farms—computers physically located in the U.S. but remotely operated from abroad—to develop software and mobile applications for American companies.
In this particular case, U.S. prosecutors identified two North Korean nationals who developed smartphone apps while working for clients in the U.S. The laptops they used were located in New York and North Carolina, but the work was conducted remotely using software tools.
The operatives reportedly earned at least 866,000 dolalrs over six years, with a portion of the funds allegedly funneled through American accomplices to a Chinese bank account. U.S. officials say the money ultimately supported the North Korean government.
Mexican scientist
To evade detection, the North Koreans allegedly used multiple false identities. Most of these were fabricated, but one identity belonged to the now-detained Mexican scientist, who is currently pursuing a PhD in Sweden.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the scientist's personal information was used without his knowledge, enabling the North Koreans to establish credibility with American clients.
Dutch authorities apprehended the scientist earlier this month. He remains in custody in the Netherlands and has not yet been extradited to the United States.
A friend of the scientist, whose name is known to NOS but withheld, stated that the arrest is a "big misunderstanding." She explained that the scientist had worked for one of the North Korean operatives in the past, developing apps via the internet. "He thought the man was from China, not North Korea," she said, adding that the scientist was unaware his identity was being used.
"My friend had no idea his personal information was being exploited," she added. "He is also a victim in this situation."
U.S. authorities allege that the scientist's personal documents were used to set up the scheme, as they were accessible to the North Korean operative from a previous work arrangement.
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has not yet provided further comment on the case, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
