North Korea calls FBI crypto theft allegations “absurd slander” as Lazarus Group scrutiny grows

North Korea’s Foreign Ministry called international accusations over cryptocurrency theft “absurd slander” on Sunday, dismissing FBI findings and Lazarus Group allegations as politically motivated fabrications designed to distort its global reputation.

The denial, issued on May 4 through state media, comes amid escalating scrutiny of cyberattacks that have shaken confidence in digital asset markets worldwide.

North Korea rejects accusations over international crypto hacks

In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, a spokesperson for North Korea’s Foreign Ministry dismissed allegations of involvement in international crypto hacks as politically motivated fabrications.

“False information,” the spokesperson said, rejecting the claims outright in response to international inquiries.

The official went further, describing the accusations as “absurd slander” aimed at tarnishing the country’s global reputation. According to the ministry, the United States is attempting to create a “distorted perception” of North Korea by tying it to cybercrime activities.

The statement underscores Pyongyang’s longstanding position of denying involvement in cyberattacks, even as evidence cited by international authorities continues to mount. Officials warned that North Korea would take “all necessary measures” to defend its interests against what it perceives as coordinated political attacks.

Global scrutiny intensifies over international crypto hacks

The denial comes against the backdrop of years of investigations by U.S. intelligence agencies and cybersecurity firms linking North Korean groups to major international crypto hacks. Among the most frequently cited is the Lazarus Group, a hacking syndicate believed to operate under state direction.

The group first drew global attention after its alleged involvement in the 2014 Sony Pictures cyberattack. Since then, it has been repeatedly implicated in large-scale digital asset thefts targeting cryptocurrency platforms and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.

Most recently, the group was accused of orchestrating an attack on the DeFi platform KelpDAO, resulting in losses estimated between $290 million and $292 million. The scale and sophistication of such incidents have reinforced suspicions among investigators that these operations are backed by significant resources.

Major breaches fuel concerns about international crypto hacks

Several high-profile incidents have intensified concerns about the growing threat of international crypto hacks and the role of state-linked actors. In February 2025, the FBI confirmed that North Korea was responsible for stealing approximately $1.5 billion in virtual assets from the cryptocurrency exchange Bybit.

Earlier, in July 2024, hackers allegedly linked to North Korea breached WazirX, India’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, making off with $235 million. These attacks represent some of the largest thefts in the history of the digital asset sector.

Blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs has reported that North Korean-linked actors have stolen more than $6 billion in cryptocurrencies since 2017. The firm also noted that the country’s share of global losses from international crypto hacks surged to 64% in 2025, highlighting the scale of the alleged operations.

These figures have fueled concerns among regulators and investors about the vulnerability of crypto infrastructure and the broader implications for financial stability.

Rising geopolitical tension around international crypto hacks

The dispute over international crypto hacks is also deepening geopolitical tensions, particularly between North Korea and the United States. Washington has consistently accused Pyongyang of using cybercrime to circumvent economic sanctions and generate revenue.

North Korea, however, maintains that such accusations are unfounded and politically driven. The Foreign Ministry’s latest statement reflects a broader strategy of rejecting international criticism while asserting sovereignty in the face of mounting pressure.

As investigations continue and cybersecurity threats evolve, the debate over responsibility for international crypto hacks is unlikely to fade. The growing frequency and scale of these incidents suggest that the issue will remain a central concern for governments, financial institutions, and the global crypto industry.

For now, the stark divide between North Korea’s denials and the allegations from international authorities underscores the complexity of attributing cyberattacks in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.