G7 declares war on North Korean hackers: crypto thefts break records
World leaders of the G7 adopted a tough statement at the summit in Évian, targeting cyber threats from North Korea. The key emphasis is on the need for collective counteraction against large-scale cryptocurrency thefts and other digital crimes originating from North Korean hacker groups. The final document also notes growing concern over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile ambitions, but no specific, narrowly targeted measures for the cryptocurrency sector were proposed.
Scale of the Threat: Shocking Numbers
Recent analytics demonstrate alarming dynamics. In 2025 alone, hacker groups affiliated with North Korea managed to steal crypto assets worth $2.02 billion. This figure is 51% higher than the results of the previous year. Overall, the total amount of funds stolen by North Korean cybercriminals throughout the entire observation period, by my estimates, has already exceeded the $6.75 billion mark. These numbers are not just statistics but direct evidence that the crypto industry has become the primary source of financing for a regime circumventing international sanctions.
Why Is the G7 Slow to Act with Specifics?
The absence of clear regulatory mechanisms in the final communiqué is an alarming signal. Political will exists, but the toolkit for combating such complex, decentralized threats is still in its infancy. While leaders discuss general principles, hackers continue to attack centralized exchanges and DeFi protocols, using increasingly sophisticated methods of social engineering and phishing.
My expert opinion: Without the implementation of mandatory KYC/AML standards at the protocol level and global intelligence coordination, these $6.75 billion are just the tip of the iceberg. North Korea has already turned crypto hacking into a state-backed industry, and the G7 will have to act much faster and more decisively than they are currently demonstrating.