U.S. Department of Justice Moves to Confiscate $15 Million in Tether Linked to North Korean Cybercrime Group

In a significant enforcement action, the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated proceedings to seize more than $15 million worth of Tether (USDT) connected to APT38, a hacking collective sponsored by the North Korean government. This operation underscores ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to disrupt illicit financial activities involving digital currencies. APT38, known for its sophisticated cyber intrusions targeting financial institutions globally, has been implicated in numerous high-profile thefts and money laundering schemes. The seizure request focuses on Tether, a widely used stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, which authorities allege was utilized to obscure the origins of illicitly obtained funds. This case highlights the increasing scrutiny of stablecoins in regulatory frameworks aimed at combating cross-border financial crimes. Legal experts note that such actions demonstrate the growing capability of law enforcement to trace and intercept cryptocurrency transactions tied to state-sponsored threats. The DOJ’s move aligns with broader international initiatives to enhance cybersecurity and enforce sanctions against entities involved in malicious cyber operations. Further details on the investigation and jurisdictional aspects are expected as the legal process unfolds.