North Korea rejects FBI claims over Binance hack and tests cruise missiles

North Korea has rejected FBI accusations that it was behind the $6 billion theft from cryptocurrency platform Binance, while simultaneously testing strategic cruise missiles in a new display of military capability. The missile launch followed a public denial by Kim Yo-jong, who called the FBI's claims a "grave political provocation." The FBI stated Saturday that a North Korean-linked hacking group called TraderTraitor was responsible for the attack, which experts say may be the largest cryptocurrency theft in history. Kim Yo-jong dismissed the accusation as "absurd rhetoric," though analysts suggest the denial aims to maintain channels for laundering stolen funds. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for stronger digital infrastructure protection following the incident. The missile test involved strategic cruise missiles equipped with a new fragmentation warhead, according to state media KCNA. A 2024 UN report stated North Korean cyberattack revenues likely helped finance the country's development of weapons of mass destruction. Cruise missile tests are not prohibited by UN Security Council sanctions, unlike ballistic missile launches.