The US State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information that could help disrupt the activities of hackers, specifically those working on behalf of the North Korean government. These hackers are using cryptocurrency mixers to launder the cryptocurrency they are stealing from financial institutions and businesses. The North Korean regime launders stolen cryptocurrency to support its ballistic missile program and nuclear ambitions. The announcement of the $10 million reward comes after the US Department of Treasury imposed sanctions against Sinbad, a cryptocurrency mixing service used by the Lazarus Group, affiliated with North Korea. Sinbad was used to launder significant portions of the cryptocurrency stolen from various sources. The public-facing website of Sinbad has been seized by law enforcement agencies. The tip line of the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is still accessible for people with information to potentially earn themselves up to $10 million.
Key points:
1. The US State Department is offering a $10 million reward for information on hackers working on behalf of the North Korean government.
2. These hackers are using cryptocurrency mixers to launder stolen cryptocurrency.
3. The North Korean regime is using the laundered funds to support its ballistic missile program and nuclear ambitions.
4. Sinbad, a cryptocurrency mixing service used by the Lazarus Group, has been seized by law enforcement agencies.
5. The US State Department’s tip line is still accessible for individuals to submit information and potentially earn the reward.