North Korea has been using cryptocurrency to fund its weapons programs, laundering billions of dollars to support missile development and nuclear ambitions. The regime utilizes a network of cybercriminals and IT workers deployed abroad to bypass international sanctions and mask illicit financial activities. Between January and September 2024, North Korea laundered an estimated $1.65 billion in cryptocurrency, according to reports from the UN-imposed restrictions. A recent Bybit exchange hack, which saw the theft of a significant amount of funds, demonstrates the regime’s continued reliance on digital currency. This has further intensified their efforts to acquire weapons and materials for military expansion.