North Korea’s Crypto Heist: $21M Vanishes in Tornado Cash 💸🇰🇵

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SBI Crypto, a subsidiary of Japan’s SBI Group, was hit by a “breach” so dramatic, even Shakespeare would’ve demanded a rewrite. Hackers allegedly linked to North Korea (because why not?) staged a $21 million heist from its crypto mining pool. 🎭💰

The hack was flagged by blockchain sleuth ZachXBT, who spotted suspicious outflows of cryptocurrencies-Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH). Because stealing $21 million isn’t enough; they had to diversify the portfolio! 🚀

North Korean Hackers Drain $21M From SBI Crypto 😱

SBI Holdings, Japan’s largest traditional finance group, was “graciously” gifted $21 million by hackers via its crypto subsidiary’s mining pool. The stolen loot? BTC, DOGE, LTC, ETH. The hack bore eerie similarities to other DPRK exploits, like a bad rom-com where the plot twists are all the same. 🤡

“On September 24, 2025, SBI Crypto addresses saw ~$21M vanish into thin air. Funds were funneled to five instant exchanges and deposited into Tornado Cash-a crypto magician’s trick! ZachXBT noted, ‘Several indicators scream DPRK attacks louder than a Kim Jong-Un speech.’”

SBI And Its Crypto Involvement 🧠

SBI Holdings, now offering Bitcoin ETFs and tokenized stocks, is clearly trying to outdo Wall Street. But with great crypto power comes… well, hackers with better Wi-Fi. Their mining pool was breached, and the funds were laundered through Tornado Cash, a service so shady, even the IRS would ask for directions. 🕵️

Hackers used Tornado Cash to “clean” their tracks. The founder, Roman Storm, now faces charges for laundering stolen funds-because nothing says “trust” like a founder who’s also a fugitive. 🚨

Possible North Korean Connection 🧨

ZachXBT compared the hack to previous DPRK heists, linking it to the infamous Lazarus Group-crypto’s version of the Wicked Witch of the West. They’ve stolen billions, then vanished like smoke, leaving victims with no recourse and a lot of existential dread. 🧊

“ZachXBT declared, ‘$21M in crypto vanished from SBI Crypto wallets, ending up in Tornado Cash. North Korea’s hackers? Probably. SBI? Japan’s biggest crypto company. Coincidence? Unlikely.’”

Growing Concerns Around Hacks 🚨

Mining pools, where crypto enthusiasts “pool” resources, are now hacker playgrounds. These pools manage tons of cash, making them perfect targets for digital Robin Hoods with a grudge. Investigators suspect SBI Crypto’s systems had a “loophole” bigger than a black hole. 🌌

SBI Holdings hasn’t commented, but this hack joins a trend where hackers target mining pools, exchanges, and bridges. It’s like a crypto buffet, and the hackers are the picky eaters who only steal the main course. 🍽️

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2025-10-02 15:44