North Korean hackers suspected in $351 million Bitget theft, the largest crypto heist so far this year

North Korean hackers are suspected of stealing over $351 million from cryptocurrency exchange Bitget in a Thursday breach via its internet-connected hot wallets—the largest known crypto heist this year, exceeding a $340 million September hack from which all but $47 million was returned. Bitget suspended withdrawals and said its $464 million user protection fund should cover losses. CEO Gracy Chen said the attack matched known North Korean patterns linked to funding the country's nuclear weapons program.