North Korea denies role in record Binance hack, calls US charge 'provocation'
North Korea has rejected US accusations that its hackers stole over $6 billion from cryptocurrency exchange Binance, calling the claim "a grave political provocation."
The denial came from Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who described the US claim as "absurd rhetoric and nothing new." The accusation was made by the FBI over the weekend, which blamed a state-tied hacking group called TraderTraitor for the massive breach.
Record-breaking hack
This was reportedly the biggest crypto-exchange heist on record, well above the roughly $1.5 billion Bybit raid in 2025, which was also attributed to North Korean hackers. TRM Labs linked the attack to the same group and said most of the money was moved out within 20 minutes.
a grave political provocation
Binance response
Separately, Binance announced Monday that withdrawals will restart for additional assets across several blockchains, including Binance Smart Chain, Ethereum, Solana, XRP and Sui, from 04:00 GMT Tuesday. The exchange said it replaced most of the stolen assets out of its own funds.
Geopolitical tensions
Kim Yo Jong said Pyongyang now had "issues to reconsider" because of Washington's hostility. North Korea has remained silent on Trump's overtures about reviving summit talks. Analysts in Seoul noted the speed of the denial suggests concern that Washington could cut off a funding source believed to bankroll arms development.
Related
