G7 declares war on North Korean crypto hackers: $2 billion stolen in a year
The Group of Seven (G7) countries adopted a tough resolution at the summit in Évian targeting cyberattacks linked to North Korea. G7 leaders emphasized that joint efforts are necessary to combat cryptocurrency thefts and other cybercrimes that Pyongyang uses to fund its nuclear and missile programs. However, despite the strong statements, the final document proposed no specific mechanisms for the crypto sector, leaving room for further discussions.
Scale of the Threat: Record Numbers
My analysis shows that the situation is indeed critical. According to independent investigations, in 2025, hacker groups affiliated with North Korea stole $2.02 billion worth of cryptocurrency. This is 51% more than the previous year, indicating a systemic increase in attacks. The total volume of stolen assets since these groups began active operations is estimated at least $6.75 billion.
Why This Matters for the Market
Such large-scale thefts not only undermine trust in digital assets but also create risks for global financial stability. The G7 clearly recognizes that North Korea uses cryptocurrencies to bypass sanctions and fund military programs. However, without clear regulatory measures at the level of exchanges and protocols, combating these threats will be largely ineffective.
My professional opinion: As long as the G7 limits itself to political declarations, North Korean hackers will continue to refine their methods. The market needs not just calls to action but the implementation of mandatory KYC/AML standards on all crypto platforms and international coordination among law enforcement. Otherwise, $2 billion a year is just the beginning.