Notorious Cybercriminal Group Lazarus Moves Stolen Bitcoin
A cybercriminal group known as Lazarus has reportedly withdrawn over $600 million in stolen Bitcoin from various crypto protocols and users in 2023. Recently, they cashed out around 27.3 Bitcoin (BTC) worth approximately $1.2 million from an unidentified crypto mixer. The transactions took place on Jan. 8, according to data from Arkham Intelligence.
Lazarus Wallets and Illicit Wealth
Lazarus received 10 BTC valued at $440,000 and 17.3 BTC worth $762,000 from a contract address. Subsequently, the receiving address transferred 3.3 BTC to another address holding just under $300,000 in Bitcoin. The hacker group currently holds $79 million in illicit wealth across various wallets identified by Arkham Intelligence. The top three assets held by Lazarus are Bitcoin, Ether (ETH), and Binance’s BNB.
Use of Crypto Mixers by Bad Actors
Crypto users often employ mixers or tumblers to obscure the origin of their assets. This process is frequently used by bad actors to cover their tracks following hacks or exploits. In the past, Lazarus sent stolen digital assets to services like Tornado Cash, Sinbad, and Blender.io. However, some of these platforms have been blacklisted by authorities in the U.S., with charges being levied against their creators.
Legal Issues Surrounding Crypto Platforms
Tornado Cash developers Alexey Pertsev, Roman Semenov, and Roman Storm currently face money laundering and conspiracy charges in the U.S. and the Netherlands. However, industry proponents argue that open-source protocol inventors should not be held responsible for third-party applications. Additionally, a lawsuit against Uniswap seeking damages and restitution was recently dismissed by District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. While this ruling may be seen as positive for crypto participants and defendants facing defi-related charges, a district court judge has sided with the U.S. Treasury Department in a lawsuit involving Coinbase and sanctions imposed on crypto mixer Tornado Cash.
Hot Take: Lazarus Continues to Exploit Crypto Protocols
The Lazarus cybercriminal group has once again demonstrated its ability to move stolen Bitcoin, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the crypto industry in combating such threats. The group’s use of crypto mixers to obfuscate their activities underscores the importance of regulatory measures and law enforcement efforts to address these issues effectively. As authorities crack down on platforms used by bad actors, developers find themselves caught in legal battles that question their liability for third-party applications. The outcome of these cases will shape the future of cryptocurrency regulation and accountability within the industry.
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