I assume that the request was related to something like this: Preventing fraudulent remote workers.
And, maybe I'm reading too far into it, but this line:
>With these roles, these individuals allegedly abused their access at the companies to steal virtual currency.
makes it sound like they were stealing Robux or something. Could money be laundered through re-selling video game currencies?
Employing a North Korean can create sanctions and criminal risk, so it's not worth it.
From what I've heard from people who have accidentally hired them though, many are great engineers.
Edit: They also recruit US Citizens through "Work from home" schemes to help them engage in the fraud.
Nope. UAE or Laos:
"The men speak English and Korean and have ties to the United Arab Emirates and Laos"