Australia Sanctions North Korean Crypto Hackers Behind $1.9B Theft
- Australia sanctioned four North Korean cyber units, including Lazarus Group, over an estimated A$1.9 billion crypto theft spree in 2024 to disrupt weapons funding.
- The sanctions target groups linked to the Reconnaissance General Bureau, noting that the value stolen this year is 50% higher than in 2023.
- Separately, ASIC expanded oversight of “digital assets,” and new legislation was proposed for tighter regulation of crypto ATMs under AUSTRAC.
The Australian government has sanctioned four North Korean cyber units, including Lazarus Group, over what it says is an A$1.9 billion crypto theft spree in 2024.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the measures target Pyongyang’s funding pipelines for weapons…
