U.S. Seizes $15 Million USDT in North Korean Cybercrime Case

U.S. Department of Justice seized $15 million in USDT from North Korean criminals’ fraudulent schemes affecting 136 companies, with five defendants pleading guilty on November 14, 2025.

This action underscores the DOJ’s commitment to disrupting North Korean sanctions evasion methods and reinforces measures to protect U.S. financial interests against international cyber threats.

Involved groups like Advanced Persistent Threat 38

were identified as orchestrators of multi-million dollar cryptocurrency thefts in 2023. With sophisticated hacking operations, the group targeted overseas digital platforms, further extending North Korea’s financial reach despite ongoing sanctions. Two North Koreans indicted in fraud scheme with three facilitators. Additionally, government officials reiterated their commitment to accountability. Jason A. Reding Quiñones declared, “The United States will not permit North Korea to bankroll its weapons programs by preying on American companies and workers.” International cooperation is emphasized as a remedy to combat these grave threats, reinforcing cross-border strategic measures.

Tether (USDT) remains central in these cases, often used due to its stability and prevalence in global transactions. As of November 15, 2025, its price was $0.99938 with a 24-hour trading volume of 177.75 million, reflecting a slight daily change. Circulating supply hit 184.07 million, continuing to underline its market dominance at 5.70%. The market cap of $183.95 billion, alongside these activities, highlights its cross-sector significance. Data Source.

John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, U.S. Department of Justice, stated, “These actions demonstrate the department’s comprehensive approach to disrupting North Korean efforts to finance their weapons program on the backs of Americans.” Read more on the DOJ Press Release, November 14, 2025.

Cryptocurrency Markets in Focus Amid Enhanced Regulations

Did you know? North Korean hacking group APT38 has been documented by the FBI as orchestrating numerous cryptocurrency thefts in 2023, a relentless campaign contributing to North Korea’s military budget.

The Coincu research team points to increased enforcement measures affecting global cryptocurrency markets, particularly stablecoins like USDT. This could precipitate more stringent regulations and investor caution internationally. Such actions could influence the distribution of Tether holdings, reorienting market trust and liquidity patterns.

The Coincu research team points to increased enforcement measures affecting global cryptocurrency markets, particularly stablecoins like USDT. This could precipitate more stringent regulations and investor caution internationally. Such actions could influence the distribution of Tether holdings, reorienting market trust and liquidity patterns.