What did North Korea say about US cybercrime accusations?

North Korea denied US allegations of hacking and crypto theft, calling them “absurd slander.” A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the claims were fabricated for political purposes. The country rejected the idea that it poses a cyber threat. This is a direct rebuttal to ongoing US and international accusations.

What is the UN’s estimate of North Korea-linked crypto theft?

A United Nations panel estimated that North Korea-linked cyberattacks have stolen more than $3 billion in cryptocurrency since 2017. These funds are believed to support government activities. The estimate highlights the scale of alleged operations. It is widely cited in global security discussions.

Why does the US accuse North Korea of crypto hacking?

US officials claim North Korea uses hacking, crypto theft, and IT worker networks to generate revenue. This is seen as a way to bypass international sanctions. The funds are allegedly used for nuclear and missile programmes. These accusations are central to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

How are North Korea-linked hackers said to operate?

Reports suggest hackers use a mix of cyberattacks, phishing, and software exploits. They also allegedly place operatives in remote IT jobs within foreign companies. This allows access to internal systems and data. These methods combine technical and human-based strategies.

What recent actions have US authorities taken related to this issue?

In April, the US Justice Department sentenced two Americans for helping North Korean operatives secure remote IT jobs. These roles targeted over 100 companies, including major firms. The case highlights how cyber operations extend beyond direct hacking. It shows the use of insider access strategies.

How does this affect the crypto market?

North Korea-linked hacks are a major source of large-scale crypto theft. This raises concerns about security and regulatory oversight. High-profile attacks can impact market confidence. They also increase pressure on exchanges and protocols to improve security.

Are these claims universally accepted?

No, North Korea strongly denies all allegations and calls them politically motivated. While the US and UN present evidence, the issue remains disputed. Investors should recognise that this is a geopolitical conflict with competing narratives. The truth is contested in the international arena.

What types of attacks are linked to North Korea?

Cybersecurity experts have linked North Korea-affiliated groups to software supply chain attacks and crypto theft. These attacks target widely used systems to maximise impact. They can affect multiple companies at once. This makes them particularly disruptive.

North Korea denies cyber theft as UN flags billions

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished May. 3 2026Last Updated May. 3 2026

North Korea has denied US allegations of cybercrime and cryptocurrency theft, calling the claims “absurd slander” in a statement reported by state media.

A spokesperson for the country’s Foreign Ministry said the accusations were fabricated to justify hostile policies, rejecting claims that Pyongyang poses a cyber threat.

“This is nothing but an absurd slander to tarnish the image of our country by spreading false information in pursuit of political purposes,”

The spokesperson said.

The denial comes as a United Nations panel previously estimated that North Korea-linked cyberattacks have stolen more than $3 billion in cryptocurrency since 2017.

US officials allege the funds have been used to support North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes, with cyber operations seen as a key revenue source under sanctions.

Recent cases include the sentencing of two Americans accused of helping North Korean operatives secure remote IT jobs within US companies to access systems and generate income.

Cybersecurity researchers have also linked North Korea-affiliated groups to software supply chain attacks, reinforcing ongoing concerns over state-backed hacking activity.