Bitget says hackers stole about $350 million in crypto exchange hack
Reports agree hackers stole about $350 million from Bitget's hot wallets, but accounts differ on the exact sum and on who is suspected of carrying out the theft.
What happened
Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget said hackers gained unauthorised access to its hot wallets and stole an amount reported variously as $350 million to $352 million.12345
Bitget suspended or paused withdrawals while it investigates the breach, and said user funds are reportedly safe.124
TechCrunch and CNBC report that North Korean hackers are suspected of carrying out the theft, with CNBC citing Bitget itself as suspecting North Korea's involvement.35
TechCrunch describes the theft as the largest crypto hack so far this year and part of a series of high-profile attacks on the crypto sector.3
What's agreed
Reported consistently by outlets in more than one region.
Where accounts differ
Each account is attributed to who makes it. We do not judge between them.
Exact amount stolen
Who is responsible for the hack
How it's framed
What each perspective puts first, based on headlines and summaries.
| Perspective | How it reads | What it puts first |
|---|---|---|
| African private pressAfrica | Punch frames the story around the theft figure and reassurance that user funds are safe, without addressing attribution.1 | theft amount, user funds safe |
| Russian state-controlled mediaRussia & Eurasia | RT emphasizes the scale of the theft and the operational response of suspending withdrawals, without discussing a suspected perpetrator.2 | theft scale, withdrawal suspension |
| US private outletsNorth America | TechCrunch and CNBC foreground the suspected North Korean origin of the hack and situate it within a broader pattern of crypto sector attacks; TechCrunch's tone is more alarmed, calling it the year's largest hack.35 | North Korea suspicion, pattern of crypto hacks, scale ranking |
| Southeast Asian state-controlled mediaSoutheast Asia | CNA focuses narrowly on the operational fact of the theft and the resulting withdrawal pause, without discussing attribution.4 | withdrawal pause, theft amount |
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed detail how the hackers gained access to the hot wallets.
- None of the outlets reviewed report North Korea's response to the suspicion of its involvement.
- None of the outlets reviewed indicate whether any funds have been recovered or when withdrawals might resume.
Why it matters
TechCrunch reports the theft is the largest crypto hack so far this year, part of a string of high-profile hacks targeting the crypto sector.3
What to watch
- Whether Bitget or investigators confirm North Korean involvement in the hack.
- Whether and when Bitget resumes withdrawals.
- Whether any of the stolen funds are recovered or traced.
Sources (5)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
North America
Russia & Eurasia
- 2RTRUState-controlled
Africa
- 1PunchNGPrivate
Southeast Asia
- 4CNASGState-controlled
Crypto exchange Bitget pauses withdrawals after $350 million stolen in hack