Trending
Prev Story
Next Story

North Korea denies role in Binance heist as customers withdraw billions

ABC News Australia •
November 03, 2026 • 02:00 AM
1
1 reads 0 reactions

Pyongyang says allegations linking North Korea to the biggest crypto heist in history are "nothing new" from the US.

North Korea denies role in Binance heist as customers withdraw billions

Kim Jong Un is the leader of North Korea, which has been accused of orchestrating the largest crypto heist in history. ( KCNA via Reuters )

North Korea has denied FBI allegations accusing the country of stealing $US6.3 billion from crypto exchange platform Binance.

Ruling party official Kim Yo Jong dismissed the allegations as "absurd rhetoric and nothing new" from the US.

Binance customers have withdrawn $US4.64 billion after the company lifted a temporary suspension on withdrawals.

North Korea has denied US allegations that it was behind the $US6.3 billion ($9 billion) heist of cryptocurrency exchange platform Binance as "absurd rhetoric" and proof that Washington remained hostile towards the country.

In a statement published by North Korean state media, Kim Yo Jong , the influential sister of leader Kim Jong Un, denied the country was responsible for carrying out last week's hack, thought to be the largest financial heist in history.

Ms Kim also warned the country had "issues to reconsider" over US hostility.

"The FBI is trying to brand the DPRK as a 'cyber criminal state,' claiming that it obtained information that a hacking organization 'supported' by the DPRK was involved in the incident," she said in the statement.

"But the US assertion is absurd rhetoric and nothing new.

"It is a grave political provocation against the DPRK that the US misleads international public opinion as if all the cyber crimes in different parts of the world are our deeds."

On Saturday, the FBI accused a North Korean state-sponsored unit known as TraderTraitor of carrying out the hack and stealing billions in crypto.

The FBI says North Korean state-sponsored hacking unit TraderTraitor is behind the heist. ( Pexels: Tibe De Kort )

The US bureau said it had observed TraderTraitor converting stolen assets into a cryptocurrency called Ethereum and expected it to launder the assets further.

"The FBI maintains its commitment to protecting the virtual asset community by identifying, mitigating, and disrupting North Korea's illicit cybercrime and virtual asset theft activities," a statement read.

Cybersecurity experts said North Korean hackers were among the world's most prolific crypto thieves, with the proceeds used to help fund the country's weapons programs.

North Korea has denied all allegations of its links to cryptocurrency theft and other cybercrimes.

Ms Kim said North Korea would reconsider unspecified issues in light of the "very unpleasant US hostile attitude".

It comes as Pyongyang remains silent on US President Donald Trump's offers to resume US-North Korea summit diplomacy.

Experts have indicated Pyongyang may be weighing its options.

Binance customers withdrew about $US4.64 billion ($6.6 billion) worth of assets after the company lifted its temporary suspension on Sunday.

Zhao Changpeng is the founder and CEO of Binance, which has moved to reassure its users following the hack. ( Reuters: Benoit Tessier )

"Between 06:00 and 15:30 UTC on November 1, we processed $4.649 billion in withdrawals and $1.01 billion in deposits, resulting in a net outflow of approximately $3.64 billion," the company said on X.

"Our team continues testing rigorously the remaining networks and assets.

"Rest assured that market conditions are stable."

The company said it had recovered 90 per cent of the stolen assets by using company money.

Prev Swipe Story Next

Same Story from Other Publications

Compare how 4 other independent news outlets reported on this story.

4 Publications
NPR News
3d ago
'Like gods reigning over humans': Many defectors see daughter of North Korea's Kim as heir apparent

'Like gods reigning over humans': Many defectors see daughter of North Korea's Kim as heir apparent

Little is known about her except that she's reportedly about 13 and named Kim Ju Ae, but Korea's spy agency says she's likely her father's heir.

#north-korea #kim #korea
Compare →
CNBC World
1d ago
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong talks Binance hack, Democrats' sweep

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong talks Binance hack, Democrats' sweep

Brian Armstrong joins Squawk Box in his first TV interview since the Binance hack to talk about the crypto market, cybersecurity and future of agentic finance.

#binance
Compare →
CNN International
5d ago
North Korea opens BBQ restaurants | CNN

North Korea opens BBQ restaurants | CNN

North Korean state media announced the opening of more than a dozen state-run Bulgogi barbeque restaurants with beef, pork and even ostrich on the menu. CNN’s Will Ripley reports on whether it is a sign of prosperity or just propaganda.

#north-korea #korea
Compare →
TechCrunch
6d ago
Binance CFO is leaving to 'pursue a new venture' after $6.3 billion hack | TechCrunch

Binance CFO is leaving to 'pursue a new venture' after $6.3 billion hack | TechCrunch

The announcement comes barely more than a week after hackers stole $6.3 billion worth of cryptocurrency from Binance users.

#binance
Compare →

Related Stories

World News
Build #2611