(2nd LD) N. Korean leader's sister blasts FBI's crypto theft probe as 'political provocation'

North Korea has strongly rejected a U.S. accusation that it orchestrated a $6.1 billion cryptocurrency heist from Binance, calling it a "grave political provocation" against the regime. Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, made the remarks, disputing the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) claim that North Korea's hacking group, TraderTraitor, was responsible.

Kim accused the U.S. of trying to tarnish North Korea's international image and undermine its dignity by falsely branding it as a "cyber criminal state." She warned that North Korea is closely monitoring Washington's persistent provocations and will reconsider various aspects of the issue. The statement marks Kim as the first to respond to the hacking allegations, with the North typically issuing statements through its foreign ministry.