The person at the center of this case
United States financial system / U.S. banks
Cold Case · Open
3 years waiting · since 2023
SIM HYON-SOP
Justice for United States financial system / U.S. banks — the trail went cold in 2023, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What specific U.S. banks were defrauded and how did Sim maintain access to the financial system for a decade?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What documentation or financial records prove Sim's role in moving U.S. dollars for North Korea?
📍
location
Lead #3Is Sim currently hiding in North Korea, China, or the UAE, and what extradition agreements exist?
Sim Hyon-Sop, a North Korean national employed by the Foreign Trade Bank of North Korea, is wanted for his alleged role in a decade-long scheme to defraud U.S. banks and circumvent American sanctions. Working with sanctioned entities, he facilitated the movement of U.S. dollars in and out of North Korea despite federal restrictions on trade with the country. A federal arrest warrant was issued on March 21, 2023, and he remains at large with suspected ties to North Korea, China, and the United Arab Emirates.
Case
#886
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; FBI Counterintelligence
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
📞
contact
Lead #4Who were Sim's co-conspirators in the Foreign Trade Bank and other financial institutions?
💡
clue
Lead #5What trade transactions or customer relationships can be traced back to Sim's facilitation?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud; Conspiracy to Violate and Violations of International Emergency Economic Powers Act; North Korean Sanctions Regulations; Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments; Laundering Monetary Instruments Caution: Sim Hyon-Sop is a North Korean national who works for the Foreign Trade Bank (FTB) of North Korea, which has been sanctioned by the United States. It is alleged that Sim helped transact with customers that traded with North Korea and ensured money could move in and out of North Korea without interruption, despite U.S.
sanctions. For roughly a decade, Sim allegedly played a pivotal role in defrauding U.S.
banks by remitting U.S. dollar payments to facilitate trade on behalf of North Korea.
On March 21, 2023, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Sim Hyon-Sop in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C., after he was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Conspiracy to Violate and Violations of International Emergency Economic Powers Act, North Korean Sanctions Regulations, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, and Laundering Monetary Instruments. Remarks: Sim Hyon-Sop has ties to or may visit North Korea, China, and the United Arab Emirates.
Timeline of Events
🕵️
2013-03-21
Alleged fraudulent scheme period begins
Sim Hyon-Sop allegedly begins decade-long role facilitating sanctions evasion and bank fraud
🕵️
2023-03-21
Federal arrest warrant issued
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issues warrant for Sim Hyon-Sop charging him with bank fraud, sanctions violations, and money laundering
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:March 21, 2013
Last Updated:May 12, 2026
Up to $5 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:March 21, 2013
Last Updated:May 12, 2026
Up to $5 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case