Part 6/11:
As traditional avenues of economic sustenance dwindle, cybercrime has emerged as a highly profitable endeavor for the regime. North Korea has built a cadre of “IT warriors,” training them in various forms of cybercrime, from stealing cryptocurrency to hacking major corporations. A striking case was the theft of nearly $1 billion from the Bangladeshi Central Bank in 2016, showcasing the reach and capabilities of North Korea's cyber operations.
In 2024 alone, it's reported that they generated $1.3 billion through cryptocurrency heists, funding nearly 40% of their nuclear weapons program through these illicit activities. As cryptocurrencies remain volatile and poorly regulated, they present fertile ground for North Korean cyber agents.