Key facts
- G7 leaders have renewed their call for joint action against North Korean cryptocurrency thefts and cybercrime.
G7 leaders have renewed their call for joint action against North Korean cryptocurrency thefts and broader cybercrime, citing concerns over funding for the country's weapons programs. Researchers link DPRK-affiliated actors to billions in stolen digital assets.
The G7's unified stance signals increasing international pressure on North Korea to cease its illicit cyber activities, which are seen as a significant threat to global financial stability and a funding source for the regime's weapons programs.
Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations have reiterated their commitment to coordinated action against cryptocurrency theft and cybercrime originating from North Korea. The statement, adopted at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, highlighted concerns over Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which are reportedly funded in part by illicit digital asset activities.
Security researchers and the United Nations have previously linked North Korea's cryptocurrency heists to its weapons development. While the G7 did not detail specific measures, such as exchange screening or sanctions, the renewed call follows several high-profile exploits attributed to North Korean actors. These include the approximately $285 million Drift Protocol exploit in April and the $36 million Humanity Protocol breach in June.
According to Chainalysis, North Korean hackers stole at least $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, bringing the total attributed to DPRK-affiliated actors to at least $6.75 billion. The firm noted that hackers achieved greater returns last year with fewer attacks, often by infiltrating crypto companies or impersonating recruiters and investors. CrowdStrike identified North Korean actors as the primary threat group targeting crypto users by value stolen, with proceeds likely funding the regime's military programs.
North Korea has consistently denied these accusations. A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, via state news agency KCNA, described the claims as politically motivated slander and accused the U.S. of spreading false information.