North Korea’s Lazarus Group Now Holds More Bitcoin Than Tesla as Global Crypto Power Shifts
In a surprising shift, the Lazarus Group, a North Korean state-backed hacking syndicate, has overtaken Tesla (TSLA) in Bitcoin (BTC) holdings, according to data from Arkham Intelligence.
As of now, Lazarus controls 13,441 BTC valued at $1.14 billion, exceeding Tesla’s 11,509 BTC stash by 16%.
Lazarus Group’s Rise as a Bitcoin Powerhouse
The Lazarus Group has long been known for hacking financial institutions and crypto exchanges, but its latest moves have cemented its presence as a major Bitcoin holder. Last month, the group stole $1.4 billion in ether (ETH) from crypto exchange Bybit, later converting portions into BTC. Bybit CEO Ben Zhou confirmed that 12,836 BTC was spread across 9,117 unique wallets, further solidifying the group’s dominance.
Tesla’s Bitcoin Strategy: A Sleeping Giant?
Tesla made headlines four years ago when it became one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin, yet the company has neither increased nor significantly sold its BTC holdings since then. While Tesla remains a major Bitcoin player, its stagnant position has allowed a state-backed cybercriminal organization to surpass it in BTC ownership.
Trump’s Bitcoin Agenda: A Wake-Up Call for U.S. Companies?
The revelation that North Korean hackers now control more Bitcoin than one of America’s most innovative companies comes as President Donald Trump is pushing for greater U.S. leadership in cryptocurrency. Speaking on Thursday, Trump declared his intention to make the U.S. the “undisputed Bitcoin superpower and crypto capital of the world.”
With Tesla’s Bitcoin holdings now overshadowed by a rogue entity, will American corporations and institutions respond by increasing their BTC exposure?
U.S. Government Holds $16 Billion in Bitcoin Amid Policy Shifts
While private corporations like Tesla face stagnation, the U.S. government remains one of the largest Bitcoin holders, with 198,109 BTC worth over $16 billion, largely seized from cybercriminal operations. Trump has hinted at utilizing these reserves as a strategic national asset, signaling a potential policy shift in how the U.S. views Bitcoin’s role in the global economy.
With the balance of Bitcoin ownership evolving, the big question remains: Will U.S. corporations step up their crypto holdings, or will state-backed cyber groups continue to dominate the space?
