A panel of UN experts examining the implementation of sanctions against North Korea pointed out that North Korea stole a record amount of crypto in a cyberattack last year, and recommended that the head of the Reconnaissance Directorate, which directs North Korean hacker groups, be added to the sanctions list, saying "methods are becoming more sophisticated and it is more difficult to track stolen funds."
The panel of experts of the United Nations Security Council, which is examining the implementation of sanctions against North Korea, compiled the results of its investigation up to the end of January in a report and released it on January 1.
According to the report, "North Korea launched at least 5 ballistic missiles last year and also tested a new solid-fuel engine for ICBMs = intercontinental ballistic missiles," which "represents a significant acceleration in nuclear weapons development."
In addition, regarding cyberattacks that North Korea allegedly conducts to raise funds for its nuclear and missile development, it points out that the amount of crypto assets stolen by North Korea last year amounted to more than $73 billion according to estimates by private analysis companies, "more than in any previous year."
He said that most of the cyberattacks were carried out by hacker groups led by North Korea's Reconnaissance Directorate, and that "the methods have become more sophisticated and it is more difficult to track down stolen funds," he said, recommending that Reconnaissance General Director Ri Chang-ho be added to the sanctions and reiterating his call for UN member states to strengthen security measures.