U.S. authorities indict three North Korean hackers in theft of more than $1.3 billion

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged three North Korean programmers with participating in hacking attacks on financial institutions and companies, involvement in the WannaCry ransomware, and the theft of funds, including cryptocurrency.

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Three North Korean Military Hackers Indicted in Wide-Ranging Scheme to Commit Cyberattacks and Financial Crimes Across the Globe https://t.co/XiGrrYpllq

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— Justice Department (@TheJusticeDept) February 17, 2021

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According to the DOJ statement, the programmers Jon Chan Hek, Kim Il, and Pak Chin Hek worked for North Korea’s intelligence services and carried out cyberattacks.

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They are suspected of numerous crimes, including the attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment, attempts to breach the networks of banks in Vietnam, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Mexico, Malta and Africa, distribution of ransomware, and the theft of personal data.

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The defendants are also believed to be responsible for WannaCry ransomware attacks, creation of numerous malicious cryptocurrency applications, attacks on industry representatives, and the theft of cryptocurrency "worth tens of millions of dollars".

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«North Korean hackers, using keyboards, not weapons, steal digital wallets containing cryptocurrency instead of bags of cash, and are the world’s leading bank robbers», — Deputy Attorney General John Demers.

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The total damage from the suspects’ actions amounted to more than $1.3 billion.

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In addition, a U.S. and Canadian citizen pleaded guilty to laundering part of the funds stolen by the hackers.

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According to a UN report, North Korea used stolen cryptocurrency for the development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

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