US blacklists North Korean-controlled firms in China, Russia

The United States is imposing sanctions on two North Korean-controlled information technology companies based in China and Russia.

The Treasury Department announces it’s designating China Silver Star, its North Korean CEO Jong Song Hwa, and its Russia-based sister company.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin says in a statement that the sanctions are intended to stop the flow of illicit revenue to North Korea from overseas IT workers hiding behind front companies and aliases.

The Trump administration has kept up sanctions pressure on the North, even as the US seeks to negotiate on denuclearization.

Treasury says that China Silver Star is associated with the Munitions Industry Department of North Korea’s ruling party which oversees the nation’s ballistic missile programs.

— AP