In 2019, North Korean military intelligence hackers stole $42 million worth of Ethereum from a cryptocurrency exchange, as confirmed by South Korean police. This incident highlights the ongoing threats faced by the crypto industry.
In 2024, North Korean hackers stole a staggering $1.34 billion through cryptocurrency hacks, marking a dramatic increase in their cybercrime operations. This amount represents the highest recorded theft and reflects their ongoing efforts to fund military programs. However, changes in global alliances have led to a decrease in hacking activities in the latter part of the year.
In 2024, North Korean groups have reportedly stolen a staggering $1.34 billion through crypto hacks, marking an unprecedented peak in their operations. This amount is more than double the previous year’s figures and constitutes two-thirds of global hacks, according to Chainalysis. Notably, the heist of 4,500 bitcoins from DMM Bitcoin stands out, valued at $305 million. However, their activities showed a decline in the latter half of the year, attributed to increased cooperation with Russia.