Cryptocurrency Theft Remains Key Revenue Source for North Korea, UN Report Says

Cryptocurrency Theft Remains Key Revenue Source for North Korea, UN Report Says

Cyberattacks on cryptocurrency exchanges have been a major source of funds for North Korea in the past year, a United Nations report has unveiled. According to the document, the sanctioned nation has also been developing its nuclear and missile programs. North Korea Hits Cryptocurrency Exchanges, Sanctions Monitors Say

Hackers controlled by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have continued to target financial institutions and crypto platforms such as exchanges, Reuters reported citing a confidential U.N. report. Its annual edition, produced by independent sanctions monitors and submitted to the Security Council North Korea sanctions committee on Friday, claims: Cyberattacks, particularly on cryptocurrency assets, remain an important revenue source [for DPRK].

The report further details that according to a member state, “DPRK cyberactors stole more than $50 million between 2020 and mid-2021 from at least three cryptocurrency exchanges in North America, Europe and Asia.”

The monitors also quote an estimate by Chainalysis which recently revealed that the regime in Pyongyang has launched no less than seven attacks on crypto companies in 2021 resulting in the theft of almost $400 million in digital assets. “These attacks targeted primarily investment firms and centralized exchanges,” the blockchain analysis firm explained in January.

Back in 2019, the U.N. sanctions monitors announced that North Korea had accumulated an estimated $2 billion through increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. The digital money was allegedly used to finance its weapons of mass destruction programs. Their latest report notes: Although no nuclear tests or launches of ICBMs [intercontinental ballistic missiles] were reported, DPRK continued to develop its capability for production of nuclear fissile materials.

The authors are convinced that maintenance and development of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure hasn’t stopped. They also point out that the country, which has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006, has accelerated its ballistic missile testing, having carried out nine launches in January, which is the largest monthly number to date. Tags in this story Crypto, crypto assets, crypto exchanges, crypto platforms, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrency, cyberattacks, Digital Assets, Exchanges, Hackers, missiles, north korea, North Korean, nuclear program, report, Sanctions, sanctions monitors, Security Council, Theft, U.N., Weapons, weapons program

Do you think North Korean hackers will continue to conduct cyberattacks against cryptocurrency exchanges? Let us know in the comments section below. Lubomir Tassev

Lubomir Tassev is a journalist from tech-savvy Eastern Europe who likes Hitchens’s quote: “Being a writer is what I am, rather than what I do.” Besides crypto, blockchain and fintech, international politics and economics are two other sources of inspiration. Rolling Stone Partners With Coinbase, First Collaboration Is a Limited Edition NFT Collection NEWS | 17 hours ago Report: Andreessen Horowitz Seeks an Investment in Bored Ape Yacht Club NEWS | 19 hours ago

Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Previous articleShaktiio: the Anti-Liquidation Protocol for Crypto-Backed Loans Next articleEthereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin Discusses Proposal to Alleviate Network’s Congestion, High Fees Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Read disclaimerShow comments More Popular NewsIn Case You Missed ItCrypto Ban in Russia Can Have Opposite Effect, Medvedev Warns as Opposition Mounts Against Proposal

Dmitry Medvedev, former president and prime minister of Russia, has voiced his concerns over Bank of Russia’s initiative to ban most crypto operations. Prohibition could bring the opposite result, the Russian politician warned, joining a chorus of opinions against the ... read more.Ark Invest Expects Bitcoin to Exceed $1 Million by 2030 — Says BTC Could Transform Monetary History Crypto Exchange Binance Restricts 281 Nigerian Accounts — Some Requested by International Law Enforcement Study: US Financial Advisors Expect Proportion of Crypto Holding Clients to Increase by 60% Ubisoft Executive Thinks Players Reject NFTs Because They Don"t Understand Benefits