ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
International relations

North Korea cyberattacks gained $300m in cryptocurrency: UN panel

Draft report shows isolated nation continues to evade sanctions during pandemic

In two cases of hacking that targeted cryptocurrency exchanges, North Korea used a technique known as "chain hopping."   © Reuters

NEW YORK -- North Korea has been launching dozens of cyberattacks on cryptocurrency exchanges and companies in the defense sector to obtain foreign currencies and military information, according to a draft report by a UN expert panel.

The draft, obtained by Nikkei, shows that North Korea stole an estimated total of $316 million in 2019 and 2020 through cyberattacks on cryptocurrency exchanges -- a clear sign the country continues to try and sidestep international sanctions even during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more