The G7 declares war on North Korean hackers: crypto thefts have reached $2 billion
Leaders of the G7 countries adopted a tough resolution at the summit in Évian aimed at combating cryptocurrency theft and cyberattacks organized by North Korea. The final document emphasizes that proceeds from digital assets directly finance Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, making North Korea's cybercrime a threat to global security.
However, despite the loud statements, the G7 did not propose specific mechanisms to block cryptocurrency flows or impose additional sanctions on North Korean hacker groups. This raises questions: the declaration remains more of a political gesture than a practical tool.
Scale of the Threat: $2 Billion in a Year
My data confirms that the threat is systemic. In 2025, hackers affiliated with North Korea stole $2.02 billion in cryptocurrencies — 51% more than the previous year. The total volume of stolen funds over recent years has exceeded $6.75 billion. These figures reflect not only the growing technical sophistication of groups like the Lazarus Group but also the vulnerability of centralized exchanges and DeFi protocols.
Notably, North Korean hackers actively use social engineering methods, phishing, and complex laundering schemes through mixers and cross-chain bridges. Without coordination between regulators and crypto exchanges, it is virtually impossible to shut down these channels.
Expert Conclusion: The G7 statements are an important signal, but without creating a unified global system for monitoring crypto transactions and mandatory KYC for all platforms, North Korean hackers will continue to exploit regulatory gaps. Real measures must be swift and technology-oriented; otherwise, $6.75 billion is just the beginning.