North Korea Becomes Third Largest Bitcoin Holder
North Korea has come under global scrutiny as one of the countries with the largest Bitcoin holdings.
Through various cyber activities, particularly those involving hacker groups such as Lazarus Group, the country has successfully accumulated a significant amount of Bitcoin.
Summary Key Takeaways
ShowNorth Korea’s Bitcoin Holdings
According to data from Arkham Intelligence, North Korea currently holds approximately 13,562 BTC, valued at around US$1.14 billion.
This amount places the country as the third-largest Bitcoin holder in the world, behind the United States and the United Kingdom.
Acquisition Methods Through Cyberattacks
North Korea’s Bitcoin holdings have been primarily acquired through cyberattacks targeting cryptocurrency platforms.
Lazarus Group, a government-backed hacker group, has been involved in several major breaches, including an attack on the Bybit exchange in February 2025, which resulted in the theft of approximately US$1.4 billion worth of Ether.
These funds were later converted into Bitcoin, further increasing the country’s total holdings.
Comparison with Other Countries
With 13,562 BTC, North Korea ranks third on the list of countries with the largest Bitcoin holdings, after:
- United States: 198,109 BTC (US$16.71 billion)
- United Kingdom: 61,245 BTC (US$5.17 billion)
North Korea surpasses Bhutan and El Salvador, which hold 10,635 BTC and 6,117 BTC, respectively.
Global Implications
The hacking activities conducted by state-sponsored entities like North Korea have raised global concerns.
It is suspected that the funds obtained through these methods are used to finance the country’s nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile development, further escalating geopolitical tensions.
Conclusion
North Korea has leveraged cyberattacks to accumulate a substantial amount of Bitcoin, making it one of the largest holders in the world.
This situation highlights security challenges within the crypto ecosystem and its potential impact on global stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much Bitcoin does North Korea currently hold?
According to data from Arkham Intelligence, North Korea holds approximately 13,562 BTC, valued at around US$1.14 billion, making it the third-largest Bitcoin holder in the world after the United States and the United Kingdom.
How does North Korea acquire Bitcoin?
North Korea primarily acquires Bitcoin through cyberattacks on cryptocurrency platforms. The Lazarus Group, a state-backed hacker organization, has carried out multiple breaches, including the Bybit exchange hack in February 2025, which resulted in the theft of US$1.4 billion worth of Ether, later converted into Bitcoin.
Why is North Korea’s Bitcoin accumulation a global concern?
The funds obtained through hacking are suspected to be used for North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile development, raising geopolitical tensions and increasing concerns about global cybersecurity threats.
