Coincub ranks North Korea as the top country for crypto crime, estimating nearly $1.6 billion from at least 15 cases between 2017 and 2022 and later noting Chainalysis data attributing more than 30 hacks to DPRK actors. The North Korea-focused section links this activity to state-sponsored revenue generation under sanctions, citing cryptocurrency thefts, exchange compromises, cryptojacking, scams, and ransomware. The report highlights Lazarus Group as a North Korean state-backed actor tied to major incidents including WannaCry and the U.S. Treasury-attributed $620 million Ronin blockchain theft. It says DPRK cyber actors have adapted to Web3 targets such as DeFi protocols, play-to-earn games, trading firms, venture capital funds, NFT holders, and cryptocurrency exchanges. The finding matters because it frames cryptocurrency theft as a major funding channel for North Korea’s national defense and weapons programs.