North Korea Denies FBIs Crypto Theft Allegations, Calls Them a Political Conspiracy

Seoul, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : North Korea has categorically dismissed the findings of an FBI investigation that attributed a significant cryptocurrency theft from Binance, the world’s largest exchange, to Pyongyang. The North Korean government labeled these claims as a politically motivated conspiracy aimed at discrediting the country.

Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, responded to the FBI’s statement, which alleged that the North Korean regime was responsible for the theft of over $6 billion in cryptocurrency through Binance. The FBI linked the heist to a hacking group known as “Trader Traitor,” a name previously associated with other cryptocurrency thefts.

In a statement released by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim criticized the FBI for attempting to portray North Korea as a “cybercriminal nation.” She asserted that the FBI’s claims were based on information suggesting that a hacking organization “supported” by North Korea was involved in the incident.

The abbreviation DPRK stands for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea’s official name. Kim’s statement described the allegations as a serious political plot against North Korea. She accused the United States of misleading the international community by suggesting that all cybercrimes occurring globally could be attributed to North Korea.

Historically, North Korea has faced accusations of cyber theft but has consistently denied any involvement. Kim’s rare public statement regarding a hacking incident underscores the seriousness with which the regime is treating these allegations.

She characterized Washington’s accusations as a “malicious” attempt to damage North Korea’s international reputation and undermine its dignity and national pride. Furthermore, she condemned the claims as a severe violation of North Korea’s sovereignty in cyberspace.

Redirecting the focus back to Washington, Kim noted that when the current U.S. administration took office last year, it announced plans to seize illegally stolen cryptocurrency for use as a strategic reserve. She suggested that those interested in the fate of the “so-called stolen cryptocurrency” might find clues about the true perpetrators behind the hacking incident.

Kim warned that North Korea is closely monitoring the provocations from Washington and stressed the need for a reassessment of their approach in light of the U.S.’s irresponsible and hostile behavior. A senior official from South Korea’s unification ministry indicated that this was Kim’s first statement regarding the hacking allegations, suggesting that North Korea is taking the situation seriously, especially in light of the international consequences following the Binance hack.

Historically, North Korea has usually responded to such accusations through its foreign ministry. The official noted that Pyongyang is concerned about its international image, as it aims to present itself as a “normal country.” The statement is seen as an effort to prevent North Korea’s cyber activities from becoming an international issue while also pressuring the U.S. to abandon what Pyongyang considers a “hostile policy.”

It remains difficult to predict how this hacking incident will impact potential summit talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump. There has been no response from North Korea regarding Trump’s repeated calls to resume negotiations.