From Foreign Policy · Alexandra Sharp · · 1m 50s
Binance Crypto Heist
North Korean hackers steal $6.36 billion from Binance in historic cyberattack.
In brief
North Korean hackers steal $6.36 billion from Binance in historic cyberattack. North Korean hackers stole $6.36 billion from Binance in a cyberattack, the largest crypto heist in history. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Binance Cyberattack
Hackers targeted the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange late Thursday, stealing more than $6 billion in under 30 minutes.
North Korean Hackers
Experts reportedly attribute the heist to an elite North Korean hacking unit called TraderTraitor.
Stolen Amount
The hackers stole $6.36 billion across 10 blockchains, with $2.4 billion moved beyond any issuer’s reach.
Binance Response
Binance co-CEO Richard Teng stated customers’ assets are safe despite the heist.
Impact on Crypto
Bitcoin dropped 5 percent overnight, with other exchanges falling up to 9 percent.
North Korea’s History
North Korean hackers stole $2 billion in cryptocurrency last year, accounting for 60 percent of global crypto heists.
Previous Heists
North Korean hackers previously stole $1.1 billion from South Korea’s spy agency in 2022 and $1.5 billion from Bybit in 2025.
Binance Investigation
Binance is working with law enforcement to identify and bring the hackers to justice.
Expert Assessment
Former South Korean Vice Defense Minister Shin Beom-chul called North Korean hackers among the world’s most aggressive cyber actors.
Crypto Regulation
Donald Trump previously vowed to make the U.S. the 'crypto capital of the planet' and launched his own cryptocurrency platform.
Global Context
Some countries use cryptocurrency to evade sanctions and procure dual-use goods, increasing cyberattack risks.
Binance’s Stance
Binance claims the heist is the biggest crypto heist in history, with North Korea to blame.
Investigation Status
TRM Labs has high confidence the North Korean hacking group is responsible for the heist.
Consequence
The heist highlights risks of cryptocurrency trading and North Korea’s growing cyber capabilities.
The key point
North Korean hackers stole $6.36 billion from Binance in a cyberattack, the largest crypto heist in history.
