Kim Jong Un's North Korea-Backed Lazarus Group Now Has More Bitcoin Than El Salvador

In a surprising turn of events, North Korea has emerged as one of the largest holders of Bitcoin, thanks in part to the notorious hacking syndicate known as the Lazarus Group. This secretive organization, which has been linked to some of the most high-profile cyber attacks in recent years, has quietly amassed an impressive collection of digital currency.

According to on-chain analytics platform Arkham, the Lazarus Group currently possesses around 13,518 Bitcoins, a staggering total worth approximately $1.16 billion at current market prices. This remarkable accumulation is a testament to the group's expertise in cryptocurrency theft and its ability to evade detection by law enforcement agencies.

The Lazarus Group, also known as the "Hidden Door" hacking collective, has been associated with several high-profile cyber attacks over the years, including the 2014 Sony Pictures hack and the WannaCry ransomware campaign that infected computers across the globe in 2017. Its involvement in these operations has made it a thorn in the side of governments and cybersecurity experts alike.

However, while the Lazarus Group's activities have been widely condemned, its foray into cryptocurrency trading has raised questions about the potential for illicit activities to thrive in the decentralized world of digital currency. As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream acceptance, law enforcement agencies are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by groups like the Lazarus Group.

Interestingly, North Korea's newfound status as a major Bitcoin holder puts it ahead of El Salvador, which has been aggressively promoting the use of cryptocurrency within its borders. With over 4,000 Bitcoins to its name, El Salvador is currently the second-largest holder of digital currency, worth approximately $400 million at current market prices.

The implications of North Korea's growing presence in the Bitcoin market are far-reaching and complex, raising questions about the potential for state-sponsored cryptocurrency trading and the challenges posed by such activities to international cooperation and cybersecurity efforts. As the world watches with bated breath, one thing is clear: the Lazarus Group's involvement in cryptocurrency trading has significant implications for the future of digital currency.