North Korean Agent Indicted for U.S. Healthcare Cyber Attack Plot

Rim Jong Hyok, allegedly linked to North Korea's military intelligence, has been indicted for conspiracy to hack American healthcare providers. He is accused of laundering ransom money to fund additional cyber attacks on global entities, disrupting patient care and circumventing international sanctions.

Federal prosecutors announced Thursday that a man, identified as Rim Jong Hyok, has been indicted for his alleged role in a conspiracy to hack American health care providers. Officials say Hyok worked for one of North Korea's military intelligence agencies and laundered ransom money to finance further cyber attacks worldwide.

The grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, charged Hyok with actions that disrupted treatments for patients in American hospitals. His alleged cyber activities aimed at defense, technology, and government sectors.

"North Korea uses these cyber crimes to dodge international sanctions and support their political and military goals," said FBI agent Stephen A. Cyrus. "These acts have a direct impact on the citizens of Kansas." Online court records do not list an attorney for Hyok.

(With inputs from agencies.)