A recent WIRED investigation reveals that North Korean state-linked operators are expanding their remote work scams into architectural and civil engineering services — creating 2D/3D designs, falsified seals, and full permit sets under fake identities. Publicly available files show these actors advertising themselves on freelance platforms, claiming to be licensed architects across multiple U.S. states and offering “construction docs,” structural reports, and even assistance with building permits.
The documents reviewed by WIRED include floor plans for homes, decks, restaurants, and swimming pools, along with correspondence between scammers and potential clients. According to cybersecurity researcher Michael Barnhart and his team of DPRK threat analysts, these plans aren’t just theoretical — some have reportedly been used or built in the real world. This revelation raises new safety and ethical concerns about remote work, the verification of digital portfolios, and the potential involvement of unqualified or deceptive actors in real-world construction projects.
Recently, in Canada, a CBC investigation uncovered a forged seal belonging to Ontario architect Stephen Mauro, allegedly used by a remote worker believed to be a North Korean scammer. The fraudulent blueprint for a “boutique studio” appeared under a fake company name.
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