The FBI Identifies Bitcoin Hackers from North Korea
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified the Bitcoin hackers from North Korea, known as the Lazarus Group and APT38, who are responsible for several cryptocurrency thefts. The FBI warns cryptocurrency companies about recent activity related to the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in crypto. The agency traced the stolen crypto assets to hackers affiliated with TraderTraitor and predicts they may attempt to cash in over $40 million from the sale of the funds. The Lazarus Group and APT38 hackers were responsible for high-profile international cryptocurrency thefts, including raids on Alphapo and CoinsPaid.
Lazarus Group Hackers and the Theft from Atomic Wallet
The Lazarus Group, responsible for the theft from Atomic Wallet, caused a $100 million loss in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Atomic Wallet sought help from blockchain analytics companies to prevent the sale or conversion of the stolen coins. However, this did not satisfy the crypto-community, and they criticized Atomic Wallet on Twitter for their actions and failure to protect customers’ assets. The FBI’s intervention in identifying the six Bitcoin addresses where the stolen funds are located is both reassuring and worrisome for the victims, as it remains uncertain if the sale can be prevented.
The FBI’s Hunt for the Crypto Queen
Ruja Ignatova, also known as the “Crypto Queen,” is on the run from the FBI for her alleged involvement in the $4 billion OneCoin pyramid scheme scam. Ignatova has been a fugitive since 2017 and is among the FBI’s 10 most wanted fugitives. Her disappearance in Sofia, Bulgaria, sparked her fugitive status. The case of the Crypto Queen highlights the ongoing issue of fraud in the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
Hot Take: The FBI’s Efforts to Combat Cryptocurrency Theft
The FBI’s identification of the Bitcoin hackers from North Korea is a significant step towards combating cryptocurrency theft. By tracing the stolen funds and alerting cryptocurrency companies, the FBI aims to prevent the hackers from cashing in on their illegal activities. However, the inability to completely prevent the sale of the stolen coins raises concerns for the victims and the wider crypto-community. The case of the Crypto Queen serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the crypto world, where fraud and scams continue to be prevalent. It is crucial for individuals and companies involved in cryptocurrencies to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their assets.
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