North Korean hackers accounted for a record $2.02 billion in global cryptocurrency thefts in 2025, which accounted for most of the $3.4 billion stolen this year, according to an industry report released on Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

Dec. 18 (UPI) — North Korea topped its own world record for cryptocurrency theft with a $2.02 billion haul in 2025, which accounted for about 60% of the world’s $3.4 billion in crypto thefts.

North Korea’s stolen crypto this year totaled $720 million and is 51% more than North Korea’s then-record $1.3 billion take in 2024. It raises to $6.75 billion its total in cryptocurrency thefts in recent years, according to a report released on Thursday by blockchain data provider Chainalysis.

Much of this year’s stolen cryptocurrency occurred when hackers working for North Korea’s hacking team in February pilfered some $1.5 billion worth of mostly ethereum cryptocurrency from Dubai-based exchange Bybit, NBC News reported.

The $1.5 billion Bybit theft set a world record for the most stolen in a single incident.

The North Korean hackers operate from the relative safety of a nation that mostly is closed to the outside world.

“It’s very difficult to stop, because there’s an asymmetry where they’re in general so cut off from the world and such a rogue state,” Matt Pearl, Center for Strategic and International Studies’ director of its Strategic Technologies Program, told NBC News.

North Korean hackers managed to steal more cryptocurrency this year despite carrying out fewer attacks, often with the help of IT workers within cryptocurrency services providers or through the use of impersonation tactics that target crypto executives, Chainalysis reported.

Once the cryptocurrencies are stolen online, North Korea’s hackers prefer to launder the proceeds through money laundering services that use the Chinese language, according to Chainalysis.

They also use bridge services and mixing protocols and take about 45 days to launder their stolen cryptocurrency after a particular theft.

A similar report in October by blockchain analytics firm Elliptic said North Korean hackers conducted more than 30 hacking attacks to steal its record $2.02 billion in crypto with three months left in the year.

In addition to the Bybit theft, North Korean hackers also are blamed for stealing $14 million from nine accounts on the WOO X crypto exchange in July and $1.2 million from the blockchain funding site Seedify in September, among many other thefts.

About 40% of the proceeds from the cryptocurrency thefts are used to fund North Korea’s nuclear arms and other weapons development efforts.

The cryptocurrency landscape is at a crossroads, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is making waves with a bold departure from its usual tactics. Instead of relying solely on enforcement, the SEC is actively soliciting insights from the public on how cryptocurrencies should be traded on regulated exchanges. Guided by the vision of SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, this initiative seeks to clarify regulations surrounding digital assets and find that delicate balance between encouraging innovation and safeguarding investor interests. The contributions from individuals and industry players may not just influence policy; they could redefine the entire cryptocurrency regulatory framework in the United States.

Decoding the SEC’s Inquiry into Cryptocurrencies

This inquiry delves into the complexities of distinguishing between security and non-security cryptocurrencies on national exchanges, a shift from the agency’s historically punitive approach. By inviting dialogue, the SEC aims to cultivate a regulatory environment that truly reflects the unique traits of digital assets while reinforcing essential investor protections. This represents a significant step forward in wrestling with the often opaque and tumultuous world of cryptocurrency regulation.

The Stakeholder Dialogue: A Window of Opportunity

Commissioner Peirce’s call for feedback opens a channel for industry voices to share their on-the-ground realities and the hurdles they encounter in cryptocurrency trading. Key issues up for discussion include how to navigate risk management for mixed trading pairs, developing tailored protections for investors in the digital realm, and refining the technical requirements for clearing and settlement. By fostering this collaborative atmosphere, the SEC could pave the way for a regulatory framework that resonates more closely with the actual practices in cryptocurrency trading—ultimately benefiting both investors and market participants.

Reshaping Cryptocurrency Trade Frameworks

Should this new regulatory approach be implemented thoughtfully, the ramifications could be profound, potentially transforming the very infrastructure of cryptocurrency trading. The establishment of legitimacy could usher in increased institutional investment, as clearer guidelines around custody and security standards surface to protect investors. This clarity is crucial in fostering an ecosystem where cryptocurrencies gain acceptance among traditional financial institutions, steering the sector away from a history marked by enforcement-driven stagnation that has stifled innovation.

Balancing Privacy and Regulatory Oversight

Conversations between SEC officials and leaders from the cryptocurrency sphere indicate the urgent need to balance the imperatives of privacy with the demands of regulatory oversight. With blockchain activities expanding at an unprecedented rate, Commissioner Peirce has signaled the necessity for a recalibration in how we surveil financial transactions. As she aptly puts it, there’s a clear challenge: how do we maintain financial privacy while enhancing oversight in an ever-evolving digital landscape? This dialogue underscores the complexities that lie ahead, where the push for tighter regulation must not compromise individual privacy rights.

What Does the Future Hold for U.S. Cryptocurrency Markets?

This inquiry arrives at a time of exponential growth in global cryptocurrency trading volumes, making the SEC’s timing absolutely critical. If the U.S. fails to establish clear regulatory frameworks, it risks trailing behind the rest of the world. The insights gathered during this public feedback period will play a pivotal role in how the U.S. cryptocurrency market navigates the competitive pressures of a global arena. With meaningful contributions from industry stakeholders, the SEC has the chance to formulate rules that not only ensure investor safety but also stimulate creativity and growth in the cryptocurrency sector.

Conclusion: Seizing a Moment for Transformation

The SEC’s initiative to gather public insights on cryptocurrency trading represents a unique turning point for the entire ecosystem. By fostering open dialogue, there’s potential for the regulatory landscape to evolve into one that champions innovation while fiercely protecting investors. The outcome will depend on the active engagement of diverse voices in the market, ultimately crafting a balanced and robust framework that meets the distinctive challenges posed by cryptocurrency trading. As this critical process unfolds, the onus is on stakeholders to step forward, shaping a future where U.S. cryptocurrency markets can thrive upon a global stage.