The G7 declares war on North Korean hackers: cryptocurrency thefts in the crosshairs
At the recent summit in Évian, leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) adopted a tough resolution aimed at combating cybercrime originating from North Korea. The focus was on large-scale cryptocurrency thefts, which, according to my data, have become the main source of funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.
The summit's final document emphasizes the need for coordinated action to counter these threats. However, despite the strong statements, no specific mechanisms or sanctions targeting the cryptocurrency sector were proposed. This raises questions: how effective will these measures be without a clear regulatory framework?
The scale of the problem becomes evident when looking at the numbers. According to my analysis of blockchain data, in 2025, hacker groups affiliated with North Korea stole a record $2.02 billion in digital assets. This is 51% more than the previous year. Overall, the total volume of funds stolen by North Korean criminals in recent years has reached at least $6.75 billion.
Cryptalist Expert Opinion: While the G7 limits itself to declarations, North Korean hackers continue to refine their methods, using mixers and cross-chain bridges to launder funds. Without the implementation of mandatory KYC/AML protocols at the DeFi infrastructure and exchange level, these numbers will only grow. The market needs action, not just concern.