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North Korea’s Bitcoin Holdings Surge; Rises to Third Place Globally

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North Korea’s Bitcoin Holdings Surge; Rises to Third Place Globally

North Korea’s Rising Bitcoin Holdings and the Role of the Lazarus Group

According to recent reports, North Korea has made significant progress, becoming the third-largest Bitcoin holder among governments. This notable increase is largely attributed to the activities of the Lazarus hacking group , which is closely linked to the Pyongyang government .

On February 21, 2025 , this group carried out one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in history . In this attack, Lazarus hackers successfully breached the Bybit exchange , stealing over $1.4 billion , primarily in Ethereum . According to data from Arkham Intelligence , the group currently holds 13,562 Bitcoin , valued at approximately $1.14 billion .

Comparison of Bitcoin Holdings Among Governments

Reports indicate that the United States remains the largest governmental holder of Bitcoin :

– United States : 198,109 Bitcoin (worth $16.71 billion )

– United Kingdom : 61,245 Bitcoin (worth $5.17 billion )

– North Korea : 13,562 Bitcoin (worth $1.14 billion )

– Bhutan : 10,635 Bitcoin (worth $897.60 million )

– El Salvador : 6,117 Bitcoin (worth $516.11 million )

Strategic Bitcoin Reserves and Economic Competition

On March 6, 2025 , then-U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) . This initiative formally integrated digital assets into the U.S. economic strategy . Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has accumulated most of its Bitcoin holdings through criminal asset seizures .

North Korea’s Expanding Influence in the Crypto Market

The timing of North Korea’s Bitcoin accumulation coinciding with the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve program has raised questions about Kim Jong-un’s real objectives in this domain. While Washington views its move as an economic strategy to combat financial crises, Pyongyang is using cyber activities and exchange hacks to increase its dominance in the cryptocurrency market .

Global Implications of North Korea’s Bitcoin Accumulation

Impact on Cybersecurity and International Sanctions

Given recent trends, North Korea is increasing its influence in the cryptocurrency sector . Analysts believe that digital assets can serve as a tool for evading international sanctions and funding the North Korean regime .

Possible Consequences:

– Increased monitoring and security measures on transactions linked to North Korea.

– Intensified international sanctions against individuals and entities connected to the country.

– Greater regulatory scrutiny on cryptocurrency exchange security .

– Potential new laws to further regulate Bitcoin transactions .

Global Reactions to North Korea’s Bitcoin Surge

Countries have responded to this issue in various ways. Some economic analysts suggest that the U.S. and its allies should take action to reduce North Korea’s influence in the crypto market . One such action could be closer cooperation with cryptocurrency exchanges to identify and block assets linked to Pyongyang .

The Future of Bitcoin in Global Economic Strategies

As digital asset holdings continue to grow among various governments , the role of Bitcoin as a strategic store of value is becoming more prominent. On one hand, the U.S. and the U.K. are working to establish clear regulatory frameworks for Bitcoin. On the other hand, North Korea and some other nations view Bitcoin as a tool to strengthen their economic and political power .

Future Trends:

– Increased legal and tax pressures on Bitcoin transactions worldwide .

– More countries joining the strategic Bitcoin reserve race .

– Stricter regulations to combat illegal activities in the crypto market .

– Higher Bitcoin price volatility due to rising governmental competition .

Conclusion

The rapid increase in North Korea’s Bitcoin holdings has significantly heightened its presence in the global cryptocurrency market . While some countries strive for legal regulation and legitimate use of Bitcoin , North Korea continues to utilize illegal methods such as hacking and digital theft to expand its resources. This trend could have long-term consequences for the crypto market and international policies regarding digital assets .

Sources: [Bitcoin.com]

FAQ

North Korea uses Bitcoin as a way to circumvent international sanctions and finance its programs. The country has increased its reserves through hacking cryptocurrency exchanges and engaging in cyber activities.

The Lazarus group, which is closely linked to the North Korean government, is one of the most notorious hacking organizations in the crypto space. It has conducted multiple attacks on cryptocurrency exchanges, stealing billions of dollars in digital assets.

According to recent reports, the United States holds 198,109 Bitcoin , making it the largest governmental holder of this digital asset. The United Kingdom, North Korea, Bhutan, and El Salvador follow in descending order.

Yes, North Korea’s active presence in the crypto market, particularly through hacking and digital theft, has led to increased international scrutiny and stricter regulations on cryptocurrency exchanges . This could also affect Bitcoin’s price volatility.

To prevent cryptocurrency theft, it is recommended to use hardware wallets , enable two-factor authentication (2FA) , and conduct transactions through high-security exchanges .