North Korea rejects US claim over US$6b Binance crypto theft

North Korea has vehemently rejected allegations from the US that it was responsible for a $6 billion cryptocurrency theft from Binance, with Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissing the claim as a "grave political provocation". The FBI had accused a North Korean-linked hacking group, TraderTraitor, of the cyberattack, which also saw $1.5 billion stolen from another platform, Bybit.

Kim Yo Jong accused the US of painting cybercrimes globally as North Korean actions and undermining the DPRK's international image and sovereignty. She emphasized that North Korea consistently opposes malicious cyber activities. The attack on Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, led to significant drops in major cryptocurrency prices on Oct 30.

Despite the FBI's accusations, US President Donald Trump expressed doubt about North Korea's involvement and indicated a willingness to meet Kim Jong Un, a stance Pyongyang has not reciprocated.