Former Fort Gordon Soldier Sentenced for Scheme with North Koreans

Alexander Paul Travis received 12 months in prison for allowing North Korean workers to access U.S. computer networks.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:18pm

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A former Fort Gordon soldier, Alexander Paul Travis, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for his role in a scheme that gave North Korean workers access to U.S.-based computer networks. Travis and two other defendants, Jason Salazar and Audricus Phagnasay, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy charges. The scheme earned approximately $1.28 million in salary payments from victim U.S. companies, most of which was sent to IT workers overseas in North Korea.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by North Korea to evade U.S. and U.N. sanctions through various illicit schemes, including using American intermediaries to gain access to U.S. computer networks and financial systems. The revenue from these schemes is believed to fund North Korea's weapons programs, posing a significant national security threat.

The details

The defendants allowed North Korean workers to create resumes with false information, use those identities to obtain remote employment with U.S. companies, and then remotely access the companies' computer systems using laptops provided by the employers. Travis received at least $51,397 for his participation, while Salazar and Phagnasay earned $4,500 and $3,450 respectively.

  • In March 2026, Alexander Paul Travis was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
  • Jason Salazar and Audricus Phagnasay were also sentenced in the scheme, receiving 3 years of probation.

The players

Alexander Paul Travis

A 35-year-old former Fort Gordon soldier who was sentenced to 12 months in prison for his role in the scheme.

Jason Salazar

A 30-year-old California resident who was ordered to forfeit $409,876 and received 3 years of probation.

Audricus Phagnasay

A 25-year-old California resident who was ordered to forfeit $681,926 and received 3 years of probation.

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What they’re saying

“These men practically gave the keys to the online kingdom to likely North Korean overseas technology workers seeking to raise illicit revenue for the North Korean government – all in return for what to them seemed like easy money.”

— Meg Heap, U.S. Attorney

What’s next

The judge will determine if the defendants will be allowed to serve their sentences on probation or if they must serve time in prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat posed by North Korea's efforts to evade sanctions and fund its weapons programs through sophisticated cyber schemes that exploit American intermediaries. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to combat these national security threats.