Unveiling the 'Dark Banker': FBI's $7 Million Bounty and North Korean Cybercrime

On October 15, Channel A's 'Now On My Way to Meet You' (referred to as 'ImaGap') will delve into the mysterious figure known as the 'Dark Banker,' Shim Hyun-seop, who is currently being pursued by the FBI with a $7 million bounty on his head.

Over the past year, North Korean hackers have stolen approximately $3 billion worth of cryptocurrency worldwide, raising questions about how these funds are funneled back to North Korea. The man at the center of this operation is Shim Hyun-seop, dubbed the 'Dark Banker.' The FBI has placed a $7 million bounty, equivalent to about 100 billion Korean won, for his capture, highlighting the severity of his crimes. U.S. authorities believe Shim is not just a courier but the mastermind behind North Korea's money laundering operations, leading to a global manhunt. To evade capture, Shim has reportedly used aliases such as 'Shim Ali' and 'Shim Hajim.' The episode will explore why Shim is called the 'Dark Banker' and his role within North Korea's cybercrime network with insights from experts.

The show will also examine Shim's methods in detail. Stolen cryptocurrency is not immediately converted to cash; instead, it is handed over to Shim, who then uses brokers in third countries to convert it into dollars and transfer it to shell company accounts. Astonishingly, Shim not only launders money but also purchases goods needed by North Korea, such as a high-priced helicopter bought entirely in cash. This method of directly acquiring and sending necessary materials is intended to avoid tracking the stolen cryptocurrency. The episode will provide an in-depth look at Shim's money laundering techniques and financial flows based on testimonies.

The program will feature accounts from Ryu Hyun-woo, a former North Korean ambassador to Kuwait, who claims to have met Shim. While stationed in Dubai, Shim frequently purchased luxury items like expensive watches and jewelry for the Kim family. However, in private settings, he appeared as a typical father, discussing his daughter. Kim Cheol-seong, a former deputy representative, also claims to have met Shim, who sought assistance in exporting a child protection app to Europe and Russia. The episode will reveal Shim's true nature through these eyewitness accounts.

North Korean hackers' attacks are no longer just news stories. White hat hacker Kim Han-soo will demonstrate common hacking techniques that can affect everyday life, such as hiding malware in Hangul (HWP) files or using QR codes to trick users into executing malicious code. A live demonstration in the studio showed a QR code leading to a 'You have been hacked' message, shocking everyone. The episode will explore how to wisely counter the ever-evolving hacking methods of North Korean cybercriminals.

Discover the truth about the 'Dark Banker' Shim Hyun-seop and North Korean hackers' techniques on October 15 at 8:50 PM on Channel A's 'Now On My Way to Meet You.'

Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr