NorthKorea

U.S. authorities are intensifying efforts to stop North Korea from funding its nuclear weapons program through stolen cryptocurrencies, targeting the notorious Lazarus Group and related money laundering operations.

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.