The North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act (2016), imposing comprehensive sanctions on the DPRK.

Why was Tornado Cash designated?

OFAC designated Tornado Cash in August 2022 for processing $455M+ in illicit proceeds for the DPRK-linked Lazarus Group.

Do North Korea sanctions apply to non-US persons?

Yes. NKSPEA includes robust secondary sanctions on non-US persons who support DPRK WMD, human rights abuses, or cyber activities.

What is the Lazarus Group?

A DPRK state-sponsored hacking group designated under OFAC's North Korea program. Responsible for major crypto exchange hacks and billions in stolen crypto.

OFAC North Korea Sanctions (NKSPEA)

The North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act (NKSPEA, 2016) imposes comprehensive sanctions on the DPRK. One of the most heavily sanctioned jurisdictions globally.

Key provisions

DPRK cyber threat

The Lazarus Group (designated under DPRK program) is responsible for billions in stolen crypto. OFAC designated Tornado Cash and Blender.io specifically for facilitating DPRK money laundering.

Provision	Detail
Comprehensive blocking	All DPRK government property blocked
Secondary sanctions	Non-US persons supporting DPRK WMD, human rights abuses, cyber theft
Transportation	Sanctions on DPRK shipping, aviation, transport workers
Financial	Sanctions on DPRK banks and financial facilitators
Crypto	Designation of DPRK-linked crypto mixers and wallets

Crypto risk: North Korea is the most active state-sponsored crypto theft operator. Screen all wallets against OFAC designated DPRK addresses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NKSPEA?: The North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act (2016), imposing comprehensive sanctions on the DPRK.
Why was Tornado Cash designated?: OFAC designated Tornado Cash in August 2022 for processing $455M+ in illicit proceeds for the DPRK-linked Lazarus Group.
Do North Korea sanctions apply to non-US persons?: Yes. NKSPEA includes robust secondary sanctions on non-US persons who support DPRK WMD, human rights abuses, or cyber activities.
What is the Lazarus Group?: A DPRK state-sponsored hacking group designated under OFAC's North Korea program. Responsible for major crypto exchange hacks and billions in stolen crypto.