The G7 has set its sights on North Korean hackers: crypto thefts require a global response
At the summit in Évian, the leaders of the G7 clearly outlined their position: digital threats emanating from North Korea require coordinated action. The final document emphasizes the need for joint efforts to combat cryptocurrency theft and cybercrimes, which, according to the G7, are directly linked to the regime in Pyongyang. Although no separate package of measures for the crypto sector was proposed, the very fact of including this item on the agenda speaks to the seriousness of the problem.
The scale of the thefts is particularly alarming. According to data from the analytical platform Chainalysis, in 2025, hacker groups affiliated with North Korea stole digital assets worth $2.02 billion. This is 51% higher than the previous year's figures. The total volume of stolen funds in recent years has reached at least $6.75 billion — a figure that demonstrates the systemic nature of the threat.
This is not just about targeted attacks, but about a well-established infrastructure that, according to experts, is used to circumvent international sanctions and finance North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. That is why the G7 linked cybercrime to national security issues.
My analysis: The G7's statements are an important but only a first step. Without specific mechanisms for tracking and freezing assets, as well as without strengthening KYC/AML procedures on centralized exchanges, the real impact will remain minimal. North Korean hackers have already proven they can adapt to any regulatory changes.