 |
Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] North Korea reportedly holds more Bitcoin than Tesla CEO Elon Musk, according to a report by cryptocurrency news outlet CoinDesk on the 23rd (local time).
According to data from cryptocurrency intelligence firm Akam Intelligence, the Lazarus hacking group, which has strong ties to North Korea, currently possesses 13,441 Bitcoins worth approximately $1.14 billion (about 1.67 trillion KRW).
In comparison, Tesla holds 11,509 Bitcoins, meaning North Korea holds about 16% more Bitcoin than Tesla. Tesla ranks as the fourth-largest corporate holder of Bitcoin globally.
North Korea has been accumulating Bitcoin through hacking cryptocurrency exchanges. For instance, last month, the Lazarus group attacked the cryptocurrency exchange Bybit, stealing $1.4 billion in Ethereum, some of which was converted into Bitcoin.
Last week, U.S. President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to making the U.S. the undisputed global leader in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.
CoinDesk reported that there is growing interest in how North Korea’s hackers will be handled in light of these developments.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government holds approximately 198,109 Bitcoins worth over $16 billion (about 23 trillion KRW) seized from activities related to money laundering and other crimes. Trump is working on an initiative to develop a cryptocurrency strategic reserve based on these holdings.
알파경제 Paul Lee 특파원(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
