North Korea Sets Record with $2 Billion Crypto Theft in 2025
DPRK-linked hackers stole over $2 billion in cryptocurrency this year, accounting for 76% of all service compromises and marking their most severe year on record.
North Korean hackers have stolen a record $2.02 billion in cryptocurrency during 2025, a 51% increase from the previous year that brings their cumulative theft total to over $6.75 billion.
What Happened
According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, DPRK-linked hackers executed fewer but far more devastating attacks this year. While the number of hacking incidents attributed to North Korea fell 74% compared to 2024, their total haul increased by $681 million to a record $2.02 billion.
The February breach of Dubai-based exchange Bybit accounted for $1.5 billion alone, making it the largest single crypto heist in history. North Korean attacks now represent 76% of all service compromises in 2025, the highest share ever recorded.
Why It Matters
The United Nations and security researchers have long tied these thefts to funding North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programs. Chainalysis reports that DPRK threat actors increasingly embed IT workers inside crypto companies to gain privileged access for high-impact compromises. The stolen funds typically move through a 45-day laundering process involving Chinese-language networks, mixers, and bridges. Cambodia-based Huione Group was identified as a key facilitator, processing at least $4 billion in illicit funds between 2021 and early 2025.
What to Watch
With total crypto theft reaching $3.4 billion in 2025 and North Korea responsible for nearly two-thirds of that amount, exchanges and DeFi protocols face mounting pressure to strengthen security measures. The industry is closely watching how regulators respond to state-sponsored cyber threats and whether enhanced AML requirements will follow.
Key Takeaways
As 2025 closes, this record-setting year for North Korean crypto theft underscores the persistent security challenges facing the industry. Investors should remain vigilant about exchange security practices and consider hardware wallet storage for significant holdings.
