North Korea denies role in $6.3 billion Binance hack, calls US accusation a provocation
North Korea has denied involvement in the $6.3 billion theft from cryptocurrency exchange Binance, calling the FBI's allegation a "grave political provocation" in a statement from Kim Yo-jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un. Kim Yo-jong accused the US of using cybercrime allegations to damage North Korea's reputation and mislead international opinion. The statement, carried by state media, suggested that who ultimately received the stolen cryptocurrency could reveal the true culprit behind the hacking incident. The denial follows Binance's October 29 discovery of unauthorized withdrawals, with the FBI attributing the attack to a North Korean operation called "TraderTraitor" on October 31. Binance has since restored withdrawals in phases, reporting a net outflow of about $3.64 billion.