North Korea denies involvement in $6.3 billion Binance crypto heist
Pyongyang dismissed US claims that its hackers were responsible for the largest cryptocurrency theft on record.
North Korea has rejected allegations from the FBI that it was responsible for the theft of more than $6 billion in virtual assets from the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. The breach occurred on or around October 29, 2026, according to reports from Mint and Mathrubhumi.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, called the US assertions absurd rhetoric in a statement released via the Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday. She described the claims as a grave political provocation intended to mislead international opinion.
The FBI identified the operation as being linked to TradeTraitor, a North Korean hacking campaign. The agency noted that the attackers are converting stolen assets into Ethereum and may use decentralised finance platforms and instant-swap services to launder the funds.
Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, said it will absorb the full financial impact so users do not face losses. The company stated it has already used company funds to replenish approximately 90 per cent of the stolen assets.
The scale of the heist has impacted the market, with Bitcoin falling nearly five per cent and BNB tumbling nearly 10 per cent following the news. US authorities have urged crypto exchanges and blockchain operators to block transactions linked to the stolen assets.