North Korean hackers move $38M through Relay Protocol in 7 hours
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North Korean-linked hackers moved $38 million in stolen funds through cross-chain bridge Relay Protocol within a seven-hour window, according to on-chain data. The rapid laundering spanned multiple chains, underscoring how cross-chain infrastructure continues to serve as a preferred conduit for sanctioned actors seeking to obscure fund origins. The incident highlights persistent vulnerabilities in cross-chain protocols and could accelerate stricter regulatory and compliance scrutiny across the crypto sector, particularly for bridge and interoperability providers. Market participants will be watching whether Relay Protocol faces liquidity outflows or reputational damage, and whether regulators respond with tightened oversight of cross-chain services. The episode also renews focus on the Lazarus Group's laundering playbook, which has repeatedly exploited bridges and DEXs to convert stolen assets.
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Named in this story
Relay Protocol, North Korean hackers