Why did the G7 issue a new warning about cryptocurrency theft?

G7 leaders renewed their call for coordinated action because governments and security researchers have linked cryptocurrency thefts to North Korean state-affiliated actors. The group said it remains concerned about the role of cybercrime in funding North Korea’s weapons programmes.

How much cryptocurrency has North Korea allegedly stolen?

Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis estimated that North Korean-linked actors stole at least US$2 billion in cryptocurrency during 2025. The company said the cumulative total attributed to these groups has reached at least US$6.75 billion.

What actions did the G7 propose against North Korean crypto theft?

The G7 called for joint action against cryptocurrency theft and cybercrime but did not specify new enforcement measures. Previous discussions have included sanctions, exchange monitoring and efforts to disrupt cryptocurrency laundering services.

How do cybersecurity firms view the North Korean crypto threat?

CrowdStrike described North Korean groups as among the most significant threats facing the cryptocurrency industry. The firm said these actors focus on high-value targets and have been associated with large-scale thefts of digital assets.

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G7 renews warning on North Korean crypto theft

Q: Which crypto-related attacks have been linked to North Korean actors?

Security researchers have linked North Korean-affiliated actors to several major incidents, including the reported US$285 million Drift Protocol exploit and the US$36 million Humanity Protocol breach. Investigations into such attacks continue across multiple jurisdictions.

Written by Heidi Cuthbert Published Jun 19, 2026, 2:30 AM

G7 leaders renewed calls for coordinated action against North Korean cryptocurrency theft and cybercrime.
The statement follows reports linking billions of dollars in stolen digital assets to North Korean state-affiliated actors.
Researchers and governments continue to view crypto-related cybercrime as a source of funding for North Korea’s weapons programmes.

Group of Seven leaders renewed their call for joint action against North Korean cryptocurrency theft and cybercrime during this week's summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.

The statement expressed concern over North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, which United Nations reports and security researchers have linked to funds generated through digital asset theft.

“We express deep concern over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs,” said G7 leaders in their summit statement.

The declaration did not outline specific enforcement measures, although previous discussions around North Korean crypto laundering have included sanctions, exchange monitoring and action against cryptocurrency mixing services.

Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis estimated that North Korean-linked actors stole at least US$2 billion in cryptocurrency during 2025, bringing the total attributed to the country to at least US$6.75 billion.

Recent incidents linked by researchers to North Korean actors include the reported US$285 million Drift Protocol exploit and the US$36 million Humanity Protocol breach.

Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said North Korean groups remain among the most significant threats facing the cryptocurrency sector, while North Korea has rejected allegations that it is responsible for cybercrime or digital asset theft.