The G7 has declared war on North Korean hackers: cryptocurrency thefts in the crosshairs
Leaders of the G7 countries adopted a tough resolution at the summit in Évian: it is necessary to intensify collective efforts to combat cryptocurrency thefts and cyberattacks originating from North Korea. The final document specifically notes that Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs are increasingly being financed through digital assets stolen from crypto exchanges and DeFi protocols.
Scale of the threat: a record $2 billion in one year
Blockchain data analytics shows alarming dynamics. In 2025, hacker groups affiliated with North Korea stole $2.02 billion worth of cryptocurrency — 51% more than the previous year. The total volume of assets they have stolen since the start of systematic attacks is estimated at least $6.75 billion. These figures confirm that North Korean cybercriminals have turned the crypto industry into their primary source of income, using complex money laundering schemes through mixers and cross-chain bridges.
Despite loud statements, the G7 did not propose specific enforcement mechanisms or sanctions measures directly targeting the cryptocurrency sector. The resolution is rather declarative in nature, calling for intelligence coordination and strengthening AML procedures. However, without creating a global system for tracking and blocking suspicious transactions, hackers will continue to exploit jurisdictions with weak regulation.
My expert conclusion: The market should prepare for increased regulatory pressure, especially regarding KYC/AML for DeFi platforms and cross-chain bridges. But as long as the G7 limits itself to rhetoric, effectively combating North Korean hackers will remain the responsibility of crypto companies themselves — through the implementation of advanced cybersecurity and forensics systems.