North Korea-Linked Hackers Behind $2.1 Billion in Crypto Theft in Early 2025

A new report from blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs reveals that hackers stole an unprecedented $2.1 billion in cryptocurrency during the first half of 2025—marking the highest amount ever recorded for a six-month period. A staggering 70% of the total, or around $1.6 billion, has been attributed to cybercriminal groups sponsored by North Korea. 

According to TRM Labs’ “H1 2025 Crypto Hacks and Exploits” report, this figure surpasses the previous record set in 2022 by 10%, pointing to an escalating trend in high-stakes cybercrime. The report also emphasizes how North Korea has solidified its role as the leading state-backed threat actor in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
 

“These thefts are not just criminal—they’re tools of statecraft,” the report states, highlighting how stolen crypto plays a strategic role in funding the sanctioned regime’s national objectives, including its controversial weapons program. 

Much of this year’s unprecedented losses stem from a single massive incident: the $1.5 billion hack targeting Ethereum and related assets held by the crypto exchange Bybit in February. This attack is being considered the largest theft in the history of the cryptocurrency sector.
 

Safe, a provider of multi-signature wallet solutions, traced the breach back to a compromised laptop belonging to one of its senior developers. The device was repo

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