North Korea may be behind Coincheck cryptocurrency heist

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RESTRICTIONS: Broadcast: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN Digital: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN
North Korea may be involved in the world’s biggest cryptocurrency heist, which happened in Tokyo last month.

Reuters reports that on January 26, $530 million worth of virtual coins were stolen from Tokyo cryptocurrency exchange Coincheck, affecting 260,000 customers.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Agency told lawmakers on Monday that it’s possible North Korean hackers are behind the theft.

It probably isn’t the reclusive regime’s first crypto crime either, as they’re believed to have masterminded quite a number of attacks in recent years, according to Bloomberg.

UN Sanctions blocking the North’s exports have led to a trade deficit, and experts believe the pariah state is turning to cryptocurrency to get cash.

Pyongyang hackers had previously targeted the South’s cryptocurrency exchanges in 2017, reportedly stealing 26 billion won through malicious codes in emails and bogus forms.

South Korea currently has no evidence to prove the North’s involvement, but is now working with international authorities to look into the incident.

RUNDOWN SHOWS:
1. $530 million in virtual tokens stolen from Coincheck
2. North Korean hackers as culprits
3. North Korea low on cash reserves due to UN sanctions
4. North Korean hackers stealing from South Korean cryptocurrency exchange

VOICEOVER (in English):

“On January 26, $530 million worth of virtual coins was stolen from Tokyo cryptocurrency exchange Coincheck, affecting 260,000 customers.”

“South Korea’s National Intelligence Agency told lawmakers on Monday that it’s possible North Korean hackers are behind the theft.”

“UN Sanctions blocking the North’s exports have led to a trade deficit, and experts believe the pariah state is turning to cryptocurrency to get cash.”

“Pyongyang hackers had previously targeted the South’s cryptocurrency exchanges in 2017, reportedly stealing 26 billion won through malicious codes in emails and bogus forms.”

SOURCES:
Reuters, Nikkei, Chosun Ilbo, Bloomberg
https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-southkorea-northkorea-cryptocurrency/south-korean-intelligence-says-n-korean-hackers-possibly-behind-coincheck-heist-sources-idUSKBN1FP2XX
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Bitcoin-evolution/North-Korea-suspected-in-Coincheck-cryptocurrency-heist
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/02/06/2018020600817.html
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-02-06/north-korea-is-said-to-be-suspected-of-hatching-coincheck-heist

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North Korea may be behind Coincheck cryptocurrency heist

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