Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoreNews is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoreNews on whether to sell, buy or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk.
CryptoreNews covers fintech, blockchain and Bitcoin bringing you the latest crypto news and analyses on the future of money.
Data gathered by 21.co, the parent organization of the largest issuer of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products, 21Shares, has disclosed that the infamous North Korean hacking group Lazarus currently possesses over $47 million in cryptocurrency assets within its wallets.
As per 21.co’s dashboard on Dune Analytics, the Lazarus Group holds a variety of digital currencies, including bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), Binance USD (BUSD), and Aave (AAVE).
Lazarus Group Holds $47M in Crypto
The majority of Lazarus’ assets are in BTC, with a notable amount in ETH and BNB. Approximately 92% of its total balance is allocated to BTC, amounting to $42.52 million of the primary cryptocurrency. About 4% of the group’s assets represent $1.91 million in ETH, while BNB and BUSD are valued at $1.05 million and $640,000, respectively. AAVE has the smallest share, at 0.13%, totaling $61,000.
The Lazarus group is thought to conduct attacks on cryptocurrency entities on behalf of the North Korean government. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Office of Foreign Assets Control have identified and are monitoring 295 wallets associated with this cybercrime unit.
Related Posts
21.co indicated that the reported balance is a conservative estimate of Lazarus’ cryptocurrency holdings based on publicly accessible information, as the group may have carried out undisclosed hacks against crypto platforms.
Over time, Lazarus has diversified its holdings across multiple blockchains, including Avalanche, BNB Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, Ethereum, and Bitcoin. The group’s cryptocurrency wallets remain active, with a 24-hour inflow and netflow of $486. The most recent transaction occurred on September 20.
Roughly $300M Stolen So Far in 2023
Lazarus Group is responsible for some of the largest hacks in the cryptocurrency sector and the latest security breaches. Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic reported on September 15 that the cybercrime unit has stolen approximately $300 million in cryptocurrency through five exploits since June 3.
Notable incidents attributed to Lazarus include the $100 million theft from the decentralized crypto wallet Atomic Wallet, along with $60 million and $37 million taken from crypto payment platforms Alphapo and CoinsPaid. Earlier this month, the crypto gambling platform Stake.com and the crypto exchange CoinEx suffered losses of $41 million and $54 million, respectively, at the hands of this notorious group.
Meanwhile, a recent report from Chainalysis revealed that thefts by Lazarus have decreased by 80% to $340 million as of mid-September, compared to the $1.65 billion stolen in the previous year.
SPECIAL OFFER (Sponsored) Binance Free $100 (Exclusive): Use this link to register and receive $100 free and 10% off fees on Binance Futures first month (terms).
PrimeXBT Special Offer: Use this link to register & enter CRYPTOPOTATO50 code to receive up to $7,000 on your deposits.
