A Chainalysis report, as cited by TechCrunch, reveals that cryptocurrency thefts surged 21% in 2024, with the total value reaching $2.2 billion. Notably, North Korea-linked hacker groups were responsible for 61% of the stolen amount, accounting for $1.34 billion in 47 separate incidents. This marks a significant increase from 2023, when $660.5 million was stolen in 20 cases, and 2022, which saw $400 million in thefts.
The report also notes that the majority of hacking incidents occurred between January and July 2024, during which over $1.58 billion was stolen—an 84.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. However, activity slowed significantly after July, diverging from trends observed in 2021 and 2022, potentially influenced by geopolitical factors.
This sharp rise underscores the growing involvement of North Korea-linked groups in cryptocurrency theft, as they continue to exploit vulnerabilities within the ecosystem.