The North Korean-backed Lazarus group has stepped up its use of permissioned cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash, moving more than $100 million worth of ethereum through the platform last week.
According to the blockchain security company PeckShieldaddresses linked to the exploiters of the HTX exchange linked to Justin Sun and Heco Bridge have transferred 40,391 eth, equivalent to $145.7 million, through the decentralized cryptocurrency mixing tool.
A graph detailing the flow of funds shows that 18 different addresses were used to send funds to two Tornado cash addresses.
These transfers mark the first time the funds will be moved since they were stolen during the HTX and Heco bridge exploit last November. The attack is widely believed to have been carried out by North Korean-backed hackers.
Last week, cryptoslate reported that the North Korean-backed hacking group was again using the authorized Tornado Cash crypto mixer. This resurgence comes after the US government's crackdown on centralized mixers like Sinbad.io.
Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic explained that Lazarus' return to Tornado Cash reflects the challenges authorities face in restricting the operations of such decentralized mixers.
More than 750 million dollars stolen in 2023
Hackers linked to North Korea stole more than $750 million last year from different crypto projects, South Korean news agency Yonhap. reported on March 21, citing a UN report.
Last year, US authorities linked the Lazarus group to several cryptocurrency hacks and exploits, including the $41 million hack from online casino platform Stake and the $100 million stolen from Atomic Wallet.
Meanwhile, the total amount stolen by these malicious state-sponsored attackers increases dramatically to around $3 billion when the period extends between 2017 and 2023.
According to the report, the heavily sanctioned country used these attacks to generate around 50% of its foreign currency earnings. The country also allegedly uses these illicit proceeds to finance its weapons program.
The post North Korean Lazarus Group Funnels Over $100M in ethereum Through Authorized Mixer Tornado Cash in 8 Days appeared first on CryptoSlate.
