tl;dr
Justice Timothy Kelly of the US District Court for the District of Columbia has ordered the seizure of 279 crypto accounts linked to North Korean operatives. This action intensifies the battle against international money laundering and nuclear proliferation. The decision follows US efforts to disrup...
US District Court orders seizure of 279 crypto accounts linked to North Korean operatives
Justice Timothy Kelly of the US District Court for the District of Columbia has ordered the seizure of 279 crypto accounts linked to North Korean operatives. This action intensifies the battle against international money laundering and nuclear proliferation. The decision follows US efforts to disrupt financial networks facilitating North Korea’s illicit activities since August 2020.
North Korean crypto hackers use new malware to evade US and international sanctions
The decision follows a series of US actions to disrupt the financial networks facilitating North Korea’s illicit activities. Initiated by the US government in August 2020, this case involved actors linked to North Korea transferring stolen crypto to exchanges and unhosted wallets outside the US. These sophisticated operations obscure the origins of stolen currencies and convert them into hard cash, helping North Korea skirt sanctions. In response, Washington has toughened its stance by sanctioning crypto mixers, services that make tracing the origins of stolen funds difficult. However, North Korean cybercrime groups have skillfully evaded US and international sanctions by devising new laundering methods. These activities are part of a broader pattern of cyber heists targeting cryptocurrency exchanges.
Moreover, in a recent report, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky described Durian as a tool for remote control and data theft. The malware cleverly utilizes legitimate security software used by crypto firms, thus enhancing its effectiveness and stealth. Additionally, the United Nations has reported that between 2017 and 2023, North Korea amassed about $3 billion from crypto hacks. These funds significantly support Pyongyang’s weapons programs, including its nuclear and missile development efforts.
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