North Korean IT operatives are increasingly infiltrating European companies by posing as remote freelancers, according to a report from Google. These operatives, often using fake identities and credentials, are targeting organizations in Germany, Portugal, and the UK, raising concerns about potential espionage, data theft, and disruption. The report highlights that these workers are generating revenue for the North Korean regime while posing as legitimate employees. Concurrently, the cryptocurrency sector is facing a surge in cyberattacks, with blockchain security firm CertiK reporting that $1.67 billion in crypto was stolen in the first quarter of 2025, a 303% increase from the previous quarter. The rise in cybercrime has been linked to sophisticated phishing schemes targeting platforms like Coinbase. The North Korean hackers are also reportedly involved in various scams and cyberattacks, further complicating the security landscape for European businesses and crypto exchanges alike.