North Korea Rejects Crypto Theft Claims as TRM Links $577M in 2026 Hacks to Pyongyang-Backed Groups

North Korea has dismissed accusations that it is involved in cryptocurrency theft, calling the allegations "absurd defamation" and "a political tool." In a statement carried by state media, it said it would take necessary steps to protect national interests. Blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs reported that hacker groups tied to North Korea stole about $577 million in the first four months of 2026, representing roughly 76% of global crypto theft losses over the same period. TRM attributed the bulk of the activity to the Lazarus Group and affiliated sub-groups. The tally includes two major incidents: KelpDAO, with losses of around $292 million, and Drift Protocol, with about $285 million taken. TRM estimates that since 2017, crypto theft linked to North Korea has exceeded $6 billion. U.S. and international institutions broadly assess that the proceeds have supported military and missile programs. Separately, the U.S. Department of the Treasury recently sanctioned individuals and entities connected to roughly $800 million in illicit fund flows in 2024. (The Block)