Crypto heists are funding North Korea’s nuclear weapons program according to UN

North Korea is using cryptocurrencies stolen as a result of cyberattacks to finance its weapons program. According to a leaked United Nations document seen by Reuters.

According to the journal, Pyongyang has advanced its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in recent years, adding that cyberattacks have been an important source of income. Between 2020 and mid-2021, North Korean hackers are reported to have stolen more than 50 million dollars from at least three cryptocurrency exchanges.

North Korea responsible for $400 million theft of crypto heists

The report notes that North Korea was responsible for the $400 million theft of digital assets in cyber assaults last year, according to cybersecurity firm Chainalysis. At the same time, the North Korean statement said that Pyongyang was continuing to increase its nuclear weapons capabilities.

North Korea carried out nine ballistic missile tests in January, according to the United States and others, which marked the country’s largest number of launches in a single month.