# North Korea earned $22 billion from Russia war, cyber theft

2026-08-13T04:46:18+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

North Korea generated an estimated $22 billion in foreign revenue between 2022 and 2025, nearly four times the previous four-year period, according to a Bloomberg Economics analysis. Russia’s war in Ukraine is the main driver: Pyongyang supplied up to 50% of Moscow’s 122 mm and 152 mm artillery shells and deployed 16,000 to 22,000 troops. Cyber theft adds another stream, Pyongyang-linked groups now steal over 70% of global cryptocurrency. The money has boosted North Korea’s economy by 3.5% in 2025 and funded new warships and nuclear expansion.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/world/how-did-kim-jong-un-make-22-billion-despite-sanctions-north-koreas-money-machine-explained-article-155604034>

Tags: arms trade, cryptocurrency, cyber theft, North Korea, Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions
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