Korean cryptocurrency exchange employee collaborates with North Korean hackers, sentenced to 4 years in prison for leaking military secrets

SpeakWithHatOn · 2026-01-28T17:14:55+00:00

A South Korean court upheld a four-year prison sentence for a cryptocurrency exchange employee involved in leaking military secrets to North Korean hackers. The case highlights the security risks posed by digital assets, as hackers attempted to recruit a military officer and access sensitive systems. The employee's actions, deemed a violation of national security laws, serve as a warning against information breaches.

SpeakWithHatOn

2026-01-28 17:14:55

Abstract generation in progress

According to recent reports from Korean media cited by DL News, the Supreme Court of South Korea has upheld a four-year prison sentence for an employee of a cryptocurrency exchange involved in leaking military secrets through conspiracy with North Korean hacker groups. This case vividly illustrates how digital assets can pose a threat to national security.

North Korean Hackers’ Operation to Recruit Military Officers with Over $480,000 in Bitcoin

The investigation revealed that North Korean hacker groups launched an operation targeting a captain in the South Korean Army. The hackers directed an employee of the cryptocurrency exchange to carry out recruitment efforts targeting military officers. The employee was provided with approximately $487,000 worth of Bitcoin from North Korean hackers and, in return, offered a reward package including Bitcoin worth about $3,500 to the captain. The reward amount suggests a carefully planned strategy considering military salary levels.

Serious Crime of Violating National Security Law, Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison

The court found the employee guilty of violating the National Security Law, explicitly stating that his actions could threaten national security. The four-year prison sentence serves as a societal warning against the leakage of confidential information. Meanwhile, the recruited military captain was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined for violating the Military Secret Protection Act, receiving a more severe punishment.

Remote Access Attempt Using Hidden Cameras and USB Devices in Advanced Operations

During the investigation, it was revealed that North Korean hackers had planned more serious operations. The hackers instructed the employee to provide a wristwatch-style hidden camera and a USB hacking device to embed in a military laptop. The purpose of these operations was to gain remote access to the Korea-U.S. Combined Command and Control System. Fortunately, this cyber intrusion attempt ultimately failed, but it is clear that North Korea is employing advanced technical means to target critical infrastructure.

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