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North Korea
North Korea has a unique relationship with cryptocurrencies: the state has been accused of stealing billions in crypto to fund its nuclear programs, while citizens are forbidden from accessing it. It is the most extreme case of a country where crypto is a state tool but inaccessible to the population.
N/A (prohibido para ciudadanos)Users
N/AAdoption
N/AP2P Vol.
N/ARank
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North Korea
Asia · KPW
UnregulatedLegal Status
N/A (prohibido para ciudadanos)Users
N/AAdoption
NingunoTop Exchange
0%Max Tax
0Crypto Spots
Highlight
North Korea is the most extreme case: the state has stolen over $3 billion in crypto to fund nuclear programs, while citizens have completely prohibited access.
Regulation Timeline
2017
Alleged state attacks on international crypto exchanges.
2022
UN estimates over $1 billion in crypto thefts by North Korean groups.
2024
Cumulative thefts estimated at over $3 billion.
Regulatory Framework
Cryptocurrencies are banned for North Korean citizens. However, the state operates sophisticated cybercrime programs that have stolen billions in cryptocurrencies from international exchanges to evade sanctions and fund nuclear programs.
Available Exchanges
N
NingunoExchanges are banned for citizens.
How to Buy Crypto
1
It is not possible to legally buy crypto in North Korea.
Crypto Taxes
Banned for citizens
Flat rate0%
Deductible
N/A.
Deadline
N/A
Cryptocurrencies are banned for North Korean citizens.
Tax Estimator
$
Enter your gain
Type
Banned for citizens
Deadline
N/A
Comparison: Asia
| Country | Users | Adoption | P2P Vol. | Status | Exchange |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇰🇵 North KoreaYou | N/A (prohibido para ciudadanos) | N/A | N/A | Unregulated | Ninguno |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 8M+ | ~7% | $8B+ anual | Regulated | bitFlyer |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | 15M+ | ~30% | $15B+ anual | Regulated | Upbit |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | 2M+ | ~35% | $3B+ anual | Regulated | Independent Reserve |
| 🇮🇳 India | 115M+ | ~8% | $5B+ anual | Restricted | Binance |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 16M+ | ~16% | $2B+ anual | Regulated | Binance |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 18M+ | ~6.5% | $3B+ anual | Regulated | Binance |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | 12M+ | ~17% | $1.5B+ anual | Regulated | Binance |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | 12M+ | ~10% | $2B+ anual | Regulated | Binance |
Crypto Curiosities
✨Fact #1
North Korea has stolen over $3 billion in cryptocurrencies according to UN estimates, becoming the world's largest state actor in crypto cybercrime.
✨Fact #2
The Lazarus Group, linked to the North Korean government, is responsible for some of the largest exchange hacks in history, including the $620 million Ronin Bridge theft in 2022.
Related Crypto News
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crypto legal in North Korea?
No, cryptocurrencies are strictly banned for citizens. Only the state has access and uses it for cybercrime.
Does North Korea really steal cryptocurrencies?
Yes. According to the UN and international agencies, groups linked to the North Korean state have stolen over $3 billion in crypto since 2017.
Can a North Korean citizen use crypto?
No. Internet access is severely restricted and cryptocurrencies are banned. Only the state elite has contact with digital assets.
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