North Korea rejects US allegations over Binance crypto theft
Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, called the claims a political provocation and warned Pyongyang could reconsider several of its positions.
North Korea dismissed US accusations on Monday that it was behind a multibillion-dollar cryptocurrency theft at Binance, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un and a senior Workers' Party official, described the allegations as a "grave political provocation," the Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday.
She accused the FBI of trying to brand North Korea a country built on cybercrime by blaming a hacking group it said Pyongyang backed.
Kim described the US position as empty talk that offered nothing new, she said in a statement.
She argued that Washington routinely pins major international cyberattacks on North Korea without offering credible evidence.
Kim also pointed to US claims linking Pyongyang to last year's theft from the exchange Bybit.
North Korea has repeatedly denied US accusations of state-sponsored hacking, while Washington says North Korean hacking groups steal digital assets to fund the country's weapons programs.
Kim suggested the United States could benefit from recovering the stolen cryptocurrency, citing its plans to set up a strategic cryptocurrency reserve.
She warned that Pyongyang is closely watching US actions and that Washington's hostile attitude could push North Korea to reconsider its stance on several issues.
