The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has accused North Korea of orchestrating the theft of $1.5 billion in digital assets from Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Bybit, marking the largest crypto heist in history.
The FBI attributed the attack to Trader, also known as the Lazarus Group, a hacking collective linked to North Korea. The group allegedly exploited security protocols during a transaction, transferring the stolen Ethereum to unidentified addresses and converting some assets into Bitcoin.
The Lazarus Group, notorious for its cyberattacks, has been tied to previous high-profile thefts, including the 2022 Ronin Network hack and a $300 million theft from Japan’s DMM Bitcoin.
Also read:Kim Jong-un launches nationwide anti-drinking campaign
North Korea’s cyber-warfare program, reportedly led by the Reconnaissance General Bureau, has stolen over $3 billion in cryptocurrency since 2017, according to a UN panel. The funds are believed to support the country’s nuclear weapons program.
North Korea’s cyber operations, including the 6,000-strong Bureau 121, have made it a global leader in cybercrime, with attacks spanning multiple countries. The U.S. and its allies continue to monitor and sanction Pyongyang’s illicit activities.
