Japanese mining giant SBI Crypto has suffered a sophisticated $21 million theft linked to North Korean state-sponsored hackers, marking another major crypto heist in a year where DPRK-backed groups have stolen over $1.8 billion. Blockchain researcher ZachXBT identified the October 1 breach involving Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin Cash, with funds quickly routed through instant exchanges before entering privacy mixer Tornado Cash, highlighting the growing sophistication of North Korea’s crypto theft operations.
about SBI Crypto Loses $21M in North Korea-Linked HackDMM Bitcoin
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last week$21M Crypto Stolen from Japanese Miner SBI Crypto
Japanese crypto mining firm SBI Crypto has suffered a major security breach with approximately $21 million in digital assets stolen from its addresses. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT revealed the funds were laundered through the controversial mixing service Tornado Cash, with indicators pointing to North Korean involvement, marking the latest in a series of devastating crypto thefts that have plagued the industry in early 2024.
about $21M Crypto Stolen from Japanese Miner SBI CryptoNorth Korean Hackers Steal $1.6B in Crypto via Fake IT Jobs
North Korean hacking groups, including UNC4899 and TraderTraitor, have stolen $1.6 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025 by exploiting cloud systems through fake IT job offers. These groups use AI-generated lures and malware to infiltrate companies, often posing as recruiters or experts to build trust with targets. Google and Wiz report that the hackers have evolved their tactics since 2020, now focusing on cloud vulnerabilities in crypto firms. Notable breaches include the $620 million Axie Infinity hack and the $1.5 billion Bybit theft. Experts warn that North Korea’s investment in these capabilities ensures their continued dominance in crypto hacking.
about North Korean Hackers Steal $1.6B in Crypto via Fake IT JobsCoinDCX’s $44M Breach Tied to Social Engineering Attack
CoinDCX, a leading Indian cryptocurrency exchange, reported a $44 million security breach resulting from a social engineering attack. CEO Sumit Gupta stated that preliminary findings suggest an employee was targeted, leading to unauthorized access to internal systems. Reports indicate that a software engineer’s credentials were misused, with the attacker first testing a small transaction before executing the larger theft. Authorities are investigating potential complicity or negligence. The incident highlights the growing threat of social engineering in crypto, with similar attacks affecting exchanges like Japan’s DMM Bitcoin and Coinbase users losing millions annually. Despite advanced cybersecurity measures, human vulnerabilities remain a critical weak point.
about CoinDCX's $44M Breach Tied to Social Engineering AttackNorth Korea Laundered $1.5B in Stolen Crypto via Hacks
North Korea’s cybercriminals have siphoned nearly $2 billion from centralized crypto exchanges like Bybit, DMM Bitcoin, and WazirX, with $1.5 billion successfully laundered despite asset freezes and fees. Researchers attribute the laundering to Chinese underground banking networks, decentralized exchanges, and OTC brokers, enabling the regime to bypass sanctions. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT warns of a ‘crime supercycle’ in crypto, citing lax enforcement and the rise of illicit Tron-based markets worth up to $10 billion. Critics argue regulators focus on decentralized projects rather than prosecuting influencers and fraudulent schemes, perpetuating impunity.
about North Korea Laundered $1.5B in Stolen Crypto via HacksLazarus Group Launders $5-10B in Crypto via Tron Black Market
ZachXBT exposes how stolen funds from recent crypto exchange hacks linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group were laundered via illicit networks and small OTC brokers, with a Tron-based black market estimated at $5-10B. The investigator criticizes protocol teams for ignoring illicit activity, noting over 50% of some protocols’ usage may involve stolen funds. Lazarus Group has also shifted tactics, targeting CeFi job seekers with a new malware campaign called “ClickFix,” impersonating firms like Coinbase. ZachXBT warns of a “crime supercycle” with minimal accountability, urging stronger enforcement to prevent long-term damage to the crypto ecosystem.
about Lazarus Group Launders $5-10B in Crypto via Tron Black MarketG7 to Tackle North Korea’s Crypto Heists Funding Weapons
The G7 is preparing to confront North Korea’s state-sponsored cryptocurrency thefts, which have become a critical revenue stream for its weapons programs. Recent attacks, including the $1.4 billion Bybit hack by the Lazarus Group, highlight the regime’s evolving tactics, such as using fake interviews and shell companies. Despite sanctions, North Korean hackers stole $1.34 billion in 2024 alone, accounting for 61% of global crypto thefts. The U.S. Treasury has taken steps to disrupt money laundering networks, but experts warn that tracing stolen funds is increasingly difficult due to advanced obfuscation techniques. The G7 summit may address these cyber threats alongside pressing issues like the Ukraine war.
about G7 to Tackle North Korea's Crypto Heists Funding WeaponsRecord Crypto Hacks in 2025 Reach Over 1.6 Billion Dollars
In 2025, crypto hacks have surged dramatically, with losses reaching $1.6 billion year-to-date, an 8x increase from the previous year. The record $1.4 billion theft from Bybit, linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group, marks the largest hack in history, highlighting vulnerabilities in centralized exchanges. February alone saw losses of $1.53 billion, a staggering 20x increase from January.
about Record Crypto Hacks in 2025 Reach Over 1.6 Billion DollarsNorth Korea’s Cyber Threats Target Blockchain Industry Warn US Japan South Korea
The US, Japan, and South Korea have issued a joint warning to the blockchain industry regarding North Korea’s escalating cyber threats, particularly targeting crypto exchanges and custodians. In 2024 alone, North Korean groups, including the Lazarus Group, have stolen over $650 million, with significant breaches at DMM Bitcoin, Upbit, and Rain Management. The nations emphasize the need for enhanced collaboration and cybersecurity measures to combat these threats and protect the global financial system.
about North Korea's Cyber Threats Target Blockchain Industry Warn US Japan South KoreaCrypto Industry Faces Over 3 Billion in Losses Due to Hacks and Scams
The crypto industry faced over $3 billion in losses from hacks and scams in 2024, a 15% increase from the previous year. Hacks accounted for $2.15 billion, while scams contributed $834.5 million, with phishing scams emerging as a significant threat, causing over $1 billion in losses. Major incidents included a $305 million hack of Japanese exchange DMM Bitcoin and substantial losses at WazirX and Gala Games.
about Crypto Industry Faces Over 3 Billion in Losses Due to Hacks and ScamsTop Crypto Security Incidents of 2024 Highlight Ongoing Vulnerabilities and Risks
In 2024, significant crypto security incidents revealed vulnerabilities across various platforms, with North Korean-linked groups implicated in many attacks. Notable breaches included DMM Bitcoin’s $330 million hack, PlayDapp’s phishing incident leading to 1.79 billion PLA tokens created, and WazirX’s $230 million loss due to interface exploitation. These events underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.
about Top Crypto Security Incidents of 2024 Highlight Ongoing Vulnerabilities and Risks