The G7 calls for global coordination in combating North Korea's crypto threats.
At a recent summit in Évian, leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) made an important statement, emphasizing the need to unite efforts in countering cryptocurrency thefts and cyberattacks originating from North Korea. The final document of the meeting specifically notes that digital assets are becoming a key tool for financing Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.
However, despite the rhetoric, no specific mechanisms or targeted sanctions against the crypto industry were proposed. In my assessment, this signals ongoing disagreements within the G7 regarding the regulation of digital currencies. While diplomats discuss general principles, hackers are acting with unprecedented speed.
According to my analysis, based on data from blockchain detectives, in 2025, groups affiliated with North Korea stole a colossal $2.02 billion in cryptocurrencies. This is 51% higher than the previous year's figures. The total volume of funds they have stolen throughout history has already exceeded $6.75 billion.
Expert commentary: The rise in activity of North Korean hackers is not just a statistic, but a direct threat to global financial stability. The theft of $2 billion in a year demonstrates that current security measures in DeFi protocols and centralized exchanges are clearly insufficient. While the G7 focuses on political declarations, the market urgently needs to implement advanced transaction monitoring systems and strengthen KYC/AML procedures. Otherwise, we risk seeing a record $3 billion in losses as early as 2026.