South Korean authorities have discovered that North Korean hackers stole cryptocurrency valued at $41.5 million in 2019, confirmed by the National Investigation Agency involving Lazarus and Andariel groups.
Evidence Linking North Korea to the Theft
This report marks the first formal admission by South Korean authorities of North Korea's involvement in cryptocurrency thefts, previously alleged by the UN and other countries.
Part of Stolen Crypto Recovered
Authorities tracked cyber attacks via IP addresses and fund movement. In 2020, some assets were recovered at a Swiss crypto exchange, including 4.8 BTC.
International Cooperation Against Cybercrime
South Korean police stress the importance of international cooperation to combat rising cryptocurrency thefts. This case highlights challenges posed by state-sponsored cybercrime in digital assets.
The incident underscores the necessity for strengthened global collaboration against cybercrime in the digital asset domain.
