The<a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/crypto/coinmarketcap-is-being-used-by-the-us-government/"> United States</a>  Treasury’s Department, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned two Chinese officials and accused them of cryptocurrency laundering.  OFAC accused the two to have been in connection with a 2018 cryptocurrency exchange hack by the Lazarus Group. Moreover, the US Department of Justice indicted both of them with money laundering.

Juiadong Li and Yinyin Tian are allegedly linked to activities of the<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/22/technology/north-korea-ransomware-attack.html"> Lazarus Group.</a> A malicious cybersecurity wing that law enforcement believe has links with the North Korean government. Following the announcement of the indictment,  Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the following:
<blockquote>“The North Korean regime has continued its<a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/crypto/united-nations-makes-its-way-into-forbes-blockchain-50-list/"> widespread campaign</a> of extensive cyber-attacks on financial institutions to steal funds. The United States will continue to protect the global financial system by holding accountable those who help North Korea engage in cyber-crime.”</blockquote>
<h2>Lazarus Group has Laundered  at least $100 million of Cryptocurrency</h2>
The separate charges by the Department of Justice indicated that the defendants have laundered over one hundred million dollars worth of crypto. Which the<a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/crypto/us-researcher-pleads-not-guilty-to-violating-dprk-sanctions/"> department of justice</a> noted was to the advantage of rogue actors in North Korea. In fact, the department outlined that its action over the two; would underscore its role in unveiling anonymous cyber criminals regardless of their location.

Commenting on the Department of Justice charges, Brian A. Benczkowski, an assistant attorney general commented:
<blockquote>"Today's actions underscore that the Department will pierce the veil of anonymity provided by cryptocurrencies to hold criminals accountable, no matter where they are located.”</blockquote>
The indictment alleged how the North Korean hacker’s group stole at least $250 million worth of digital currency.  During the hack, the indictment notes Tian and Li were able to make away with $100 million worth of crypto. Additionally, the hacker’s group is also responsible for a couple of other cryptocurrency exchange hacks; including the cyber-attack of a South Korea exchange back in November 2019. In which they stole at least $48.5 million worth of digital assets.

US Treasury Sanctions Chinese Officials Over the Lazarus Group Hack

OFAC accused the two to have been in connection with a 2018 cryptocurrency exchange hack by the Lazarus Group. Moreover, the US Department of Justice....

Richard is a versatile fintech analyst with a deep understanding of blockchain domains. As much as technology fascinates him, he finds the intersection of both technology and finance mind-blowing. The firm belief that fintech will drive the future has brought him to the crossroads of Fintech discoveries and transmission of immutable data to a wider audience.

US Treasury Sanctions Chinese Officials Over the Lazarus Group Hack

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