(URGENT) N. Korean leader's sister denounces FBI's crypto theft probe as 'political provocation'

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korea firmly rejected a U.S. investigation's findings that the country was responsible for stealing over $6 billion in cryptocurrency from Binance, branding it a "grave political provocation" against the North. Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, made the assertion, referring to the FBI's announcement on Saturday.

The FBI had linked the theft to a North Korean hacking group called TraderTraitor, which they believe is backed by the DPRK, North Korea's official name. Kim made the remarks in a statement published by the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). She called the U.S. accusation a "sinister" attempt to tarnish North Korea's international image and undermine its dignity and national prestige.

Kim also accused Washington of violating North Korea's sovereignty in cyberspace. She warned that North Korea is closely watching the U.S.' persistent provocations against it and that they will reconsider various aspects of their unpleasant hostile attitude.