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FBI: North Korean Hackers Steal $400M via Fake Video Calls

FBI: North Korean Hackers Steal $400M via Fake Video Calls

Thairath•International•36m ago

Reader Briefing

The FBI has uncovered a North Korean state-sponsored operation called FaceStealer that uses fraudulent video calls to steal cryptocurrency.

  • •North Korean state-sponsored hackers stole over 400 million US dollars in cryptocurrency from more than 900 victims.
  • •The operation, named FaceStealer, targets cryptocurrency and Web3 professionals, particularly open-source software developers.
  • •Attackers use fake platforms mimicking Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet to deploy malware via deceptive links.
  • •The stolen funds are reportedly used by the North Korean government to support illegal weapons programs.

Overview

  • •North Korean state-sponsored hackers use fake social media accounts to invite targets to video calls via platforms mimicking Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
  • •Hackers play pre-recorded videos of known acquaintances to build trust before simulating audio issues to trick victims into clicking a malware link.
  • •Over 900 victims have lost more than 400 million US dollars (approximately 13 billion baht) over the past 18 months.
  • •The FBI identifies the operation as FaceStealer, specifically targeting cryptocurrency and Web3 software developers.
  • •Bret Letherman states the North Korean government relies on these cryptocurrency thefts to fund illegal weapons projects.
  • •Patrick Grandy warns that the scam is effective because it exploits trust in common online meeting platforms and personal relationships.
  • •This revelation follows a separate incident where Binance reported a loss of 6.3 billion US dollars via fake job interviews linked to North Korean hackers.
  • •The government of Pyongyang has denied the allegations.

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Key Entities

Organization

FBI(เอฟบีไอ)ℹ️
The Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States that revealed the FaceStealer operation.
North Korean Government(รัฐบาลเกาหลีเหนือ)
The entity that supports the hackers and is accused of using stolen crypto for illegal weapons programs.
Binanceℹ️
The world's largest cryptocurrency trading platform that reported a 6.3 billion US dollar theft via fake job interviews.

Person

Bret Letherman(เบรต เลเธอร์แมน)
The FBI Cyber Director.
Patrick Grandy(แพทริก แกรนดี)
The Assistant Director of the FBI office in Los Angeles.

Place

Los Angeles(ลอสแอนเจลิส)ℹ️
The location of the FBI office where Patrick Grandy serves as Assistant Director.
Pyongyang(เปียงยาง)ℹ️
The location of the government that denies the hacking allegations.