The G7 calls for global coordination against North Korean crypto threats
Leaders of the G7 countries at the summit in Évian officially confirmed the need to strengthen joint efforts against cryptocurrency thefts and cyberattacks originating from North Korea. The forum's final document particularly emphasized concerns over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, but, as I expected, no specific measures for regulating the crypto sector were proposed. This leaves room for maneuver but also creates risks for market participants.
According to data from the analytical platform Chainalysis, in 2025, North Korean hackers stole a colossal $2.02 billion in cryptocurrencies. This is 51% more than the previous year. The total volume of stolen assets, according to expert estimates, has reached at least $6.75 billion. These figures are striking: they demonstrate the systemic nature of the threat and the insufficient effectiveness of current protective mechanisms.
The key problem, in my view, is that the G7 merely acknowledges the threat but does not offer operational tools to neutralize it. Without creating a unified database of suspicious transactions and mandatory reporting for exchanges, such calls remain declarations. The market needs not just statements, but clear rules of the game.
Expert opinion: North Korean hackers are not just cybercriminals but a state instrument for financing. Until global regulators introduce mandatory verification of all crypto wallets and strengthen control over mixing services, the volume of thefts will only grow. The G7 should move from general words to specific sanctions against the crypto infrastructure serving these attacks.