The G7 is tightening its rhetoric: combating North Korean hackers and cryptocurrency thefts.
The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations, at their summit in Evian, adopted a joint statement emphasizing the need for consolidated efforts to counter cryptocurrency thefts and cybercrimes originating from the DPRK. The document specifically notes concern over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile ambitions, but no concrete measures aimed solely at the cryptocurrency sector were proposed.
This statement is a direct response to the sharp increase in activity by North Korean hacker groups, which in recent years have become one of the most serious threats to global crypto infrastructure. According to my analysis of blockchain data, in 2025, hackers linked to the DPRK stole assets worth $2.02 billion in digital currencies. This is 51% more than in 2024, indicating a massive escalation of their operations.
The cumulative volume of stolen funds, according to expert estimates, has already exceeded the $6.75 billion mark. These funds are typically directed towards financing Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, making the fight against crypto theft not just a financial, but also a geopolitical priority.
Expert opinion: The absence of specific cryptocurrency regulatory mechanisms in the final G7 document is an alarming signal. While leaders limit themselves to general statements, hackers continue to use sophisticated laundering schemes through DeFi protocols and mixers. Without the immediate implementation of unified KYC/AML standards for cross-chain transactions and international blocking of suspicious addresses, the volume of thefts will continue to grow, undermining trust in the industry as a whole.