In a compelling alert, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has raised a red flag for cryptocurrency enterprises, sounding the alarm over the theft of 1,580 bitcoins perpetrated by the infamous Lazarus Group of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The security agency has discerned a significant upswing in blockchain activities that have been tied to several crypto addresses linked to the same group.
The Lazarus Group is a sophisticated hacking collective associated with the North Korean government. Known for cyber espionage, financial heists, destructive attacks, and crypto-related crimes, they use advanced techniques like spear-phishing and zero-day exploits.
Their motivation includes financial gain and support for North Korean interests, utilizing stolen funds for regime activities.
The FBI has also shown keen interest in protecting and issuing warnings that can harm users in the crypto industry.
An example is the warning issued in March 2023. The warning was about scammers using play-to-earn (P2E) games to steal cryptocurrency.
This alert underscored the malicious tactics employed by these fraudsters, who manipulate victims by cultivating relationships with their victims who they subsequently coax into downloading gaming software and creating crypto wallets. Then, after depositing funds, and playing the games for a while, the attackers steal the funds.
Listed address
The FBI went further to list the addresses as follows:
– 3LU8wRu4ZnXP4UM8Yo6kkTiGHM9BubgyiG
– 39idqitN9tYNmq3wYanwg3MitFB5TZCjWu
– 3AAUBbKJorvNhEUFhKnep9YTwmZECxE4Nk
– 3PjNaSeP8GzLjGeu51JR19Q2Lu8W2Te9oc
– 3NbdrezMzAVVfXv5MTQJn4hWqKhYCTCJoB
– 34VXKa5upLWVYMXmgid6bFM4BaQXHxSUoL
It added that private sector entities should carefully examine the blockchain data linked to the aforementioned addresses.
Furthermore, they have urged heightened vigilance in guarding against transactions originating directly from these addresses or indirectly derived from them.
Lastly, it noted that the FBI remains committed to uncovering and countering the DPRK’s engagement in unlawful endeavors, such as cybercrime and cryptocurrency theft, aimed at funding the regime.
The Bureau has called for anyone who possesses any relevant information, is advised to reach out to their local FBI field office or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
