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North Korea has rejected US accusations that it orchestrated a $6 billion cryptocurrency theft from Binance, calling the claims “absurd rhetoric” and warning that Washington’s stance raises serious concerns about ongoing hostility between the two countries.
Kim Yo Jong Dismisses FBI Allegations
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued the denial through state news agency KCNA on Tuesday. She described the US allegations as a “grave political provocation” and accused Washington of blaming North Korea for cybercrimes committed around the world. “It is absurd rhetoric and nothing new,” she said.
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The FBI announced at the weekend that North Korea carried out the theft of more than $6 billion in virtual assets from Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Authorities identified the attackers as members of a state-sponsored North Korean unit known as TraderTraitor. Investigators also observed the group converting stolen assets into the cryptocurrency Ethereum, and expected further laundering to follow.
Kim Yo Jong pushed back firmly against the FBI’s characterization of North Korea as a “cybercriminal state.” She argued that the US was deliberately misleading international public opinion. Her statement also warned that North Korea had “issues to reconsider” in light of what she called Washington’s hostile attitude.
Diplomatic Tensions Complicate Trump Outreach
The denial comes at a sensitive moment in US-North Korea relations. President Donald Trump has made overtures to resume summit diplomacy with Pyongyang. However, North Korea has not publicly responded to those offers. Analysts suggest the country may be carefully weighing its options before engaging.
Kim Yo Jong’s warning that North Korea would “reconsider” unspecified issues signals possible frustration with the current diplomatic climate. While she did not elaborate further, her remarks suggest Pyongyang views the FBI’s allegations as a deliberate obstacle to any potential engagement.
North Korea’s Cyber Activities Under Scrutiny
Cybersecurity experts consistently rank North Korean hackers among the world’s most active cryptocurrency thieves. Analysts say proceeds from these operations help fund the country’s ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programmes. North Korea, despite being one of the world’s most economically isolated nations, has channeled resources obtained through illicit means into its weapons development.
North Korea denies any involvement in cryptocurrency theft or other cybercrimes. The country also faces multiple UN Security Council resolutions banning the activities it uses to finance its weapons programmes. Nevertheless, officials say the programmes have continued to advance.
Meanwhile, Binance confirmed it covered most of the stolen assets using company funds. The exchange has since resumed normal operations following the attack. If confirmed, the theft would rank among the largest financial heists in history.
