North Korea Surpasses El Salvador and Bhutan with 13,562 BTC, Now the Third-Largest Government Holder of Bitcoin

According to recent reports from Bitcoin.com, a North Korean hacking group has amassed a staggering 13,562 BTC, which is currently valued at approximately $1.14 billion. This substantial accumulation has positioned North Korea as a formidable player in the global cryptocurrency market, placing its Bitcoin holdings behind only the United States, which dominates with 198,109 BTC, and the United Kingdom, holding 61,245 BTC. Notably, North Korea’s Bitcoin stash surpasses that of both El Salvador, with 6,117 BTC, and Bhutan, which holds 10,635 BTC. This development raises critical concerns about the geopolitical implications of state-sponsored cyber activities and the utilization of cryptocurrency for potential illicit funding. As governments adapt to the evolving landscape of digital currencies, expert analysis suggests a careful reevaluation of regulatory frameworks to mitigate risks associated with such significant state-held crypto assets.