In a decisive move to combat the rise of illicit crypto activities, the crypto enforcement team of the United States Justice Department is intensifying its crackdown on Decentralized Finance (DeFi) hackers and exploiters.
In a Financial Times report, Eun Young Choi, director of the national cryptocurrency enforcement team, emphasized the department’s focus on addressing thefts and hacks within the DeFi space, with a specific emphasis on “chain bridges.”Â
This development comes as the DOJ recognizes the emergence of North Korean state-sponsored hackers as key actors in this domain, making it a significant concern.
Notably, North Korean hackers reportedly stole between $630 million to over $1 billion worth of crypto assets in 2022.
In response to this growing threat, the DOJ appointed Choi as the first director of the national cryptocurrency enforcement team in February 2022. The department announced that the team would serve as a focal point in tackling cryptocurrency-related crimes, cybercrime, money laundering, and forfeiture.
While the DOJ initially highlighted its focus on “mixing and tumbling services” without specific mention of DeFi platforms, Choi’s recent statements clarified their intent to target crypto firms involved in criminal activities or those that enable money laundering to obscure transaction trails.
By targeting the source itself, the platforms, the DOJ aims to have a multiplier effect in preventing criminal actors from profiting easily. Choi underscored the significant growth in the scale and scope of digital assets being utilized illicitly over the past four years.
DeFi platforms have been increasingly targeted in recent times, with notable incidents including the flash loan attack on Euler Finance in March, where over $196 million in various cryptocurrencies was stolen.
Additionally, Mango Markets suffered an exploit in Octomber 2022, with an attacker manipulating liquidity and acquiring a loan of $116 million, effectively depleting the platform’s entire liquidity.
As the US Justice Department takes firm action against DeFi hackers, it signals the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the crypto ecosystem and addressing emerging threats effectively.
These measures reflect the evolving regulatory landscape and underscore the crucial role regulatory bodies play in maintaining trust and confidence in the crypto industry.
