# Binance Crypto Heist

> North Korean hackers steal $6.36 billion from Binance in historic cyberattack.
- Title: Binance Crypto Heist · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: binance, north korea, crypto heist, tradertraitor, blockchain, cryptocurrency, billion, heist, hacking, cyberattack, Crypto, Foreign Policy
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/30/binance-cryptocurrency-hack-north-korea
- Author: Alexandra Sharp
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: binance, north korea, crypto heist, tradertraitor, blockchain, cryptocurrency, billion, heist, hacking, cyberattack
## 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.
## Key takeaway

North Korean hackers stole $6.36 billion from Binance in a cyberattack, the largest crypto heist in history.