International News 02 November 2026
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Binance Says It Has Replaced About 90% of Assets Stolen in US$6.3 Billion Hack; FBI Blames North Korea’s TraderTraitor
Crypto exchange Binance said it has replaced about 90% of the assets stolen in a hacking attack worth US$6.3 billion. The company used internal funds to buy back the tokens lost in the security incident. In a statement posted on X on Saturday (October 31, 2026), Binance said the remaining 10% consists of less liquid tokens, which means the repurchase process will take longer. Co-CEO Richard Teng stressed that the company is committed to replacing all the stolen assets so customers do not bear any financial loss. “We have replaced 90% of the stolen assets and are committed to covering the remaining 10%. Our users will not bear the financial impact of this incident,” Teng said on X. Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, had earlier sought to reassure customers that their funds remain safe after losing more than US$6 billion in crypto assets to the hack. The incident briefly pressured the prices of several crypto assets on Friday (October 30, 2026). The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Saturday that the North Korean state-sponsored hacking group TraderTraitor was responsible for the attack. According to the FBI, the perpetrators were observed converting the stolen assets into Ethereum, and the agency expects the laundering process to continue using related technology.
Gen Z-Led Protests Across 34 German Cities Turn Violent in Frankfurt, With Shops Looted
A wave of protests driven by Generation Z in several major German cities ended in rioting on Saturday (October 31, 2026). In Frankfurt, rioters looted stores and damaged several buildings after tens of thousands of people took to the streets to demand better education and a more affordable cost of living. The demonstrations were held in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. The protests, initiated by the campaign group Gen Z regelt, or “Gen Z takes control,” also voiced opposition to compulsory military service and urged the government to boost investment in education. In Frankfurt, Germany’s financial hub, at least two shops were looted and others were damaged as the demonstration turned violent. “Violent riots are still ongoing. In the city center, the windows of several shops have been smashed. Molotov cocktails have also been thrown at emergency service personnel. We urge residents to avoid the city center or leave the area,” Frankfurt police wrote on X, as quoted by Reuters. According to Reuters, police figures on Saturday afternoon put turnout well below the organizers’ initial estimates.
Taiwan Accuses China of Expanding Jurisdiction as Chinese Coast Guard Patrols Off Its East Coast
Tensions around Taiwan have risen again after the China Coast Guard staged its latest patrol off the island’s east coast. Taiwan sees the activity as an attempt by Beijing to extend its influence and jurisdiction in waters claimed by Taipei. Taiwan’s Coast Guard said two Chinese coast guard vessels took part in the patrol, and Taipei responded by deploying its own ships to monitor the movements of the Chinese fleet. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory, but the Taiwanese government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and insists it holds sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the exclusive economic zone east of the island. In a statement on Saturday (October 31, 2026), Taiwan’s Coast Guard said the patrol could disrupt shipping through radio communications aimed at vessels at sea. “China’s attempt to harass ships at sea through radio communications is a clear expansion of authority, violates international law, undermines regional peace and stability, and departs from reality,” it said. Taipei also stressed that China has no jurisdiction over Taiwan’s waters. The patrol adds to a growing Chinese Coast Guard presence on Taiwan’s eastern side since June, which the Taiwanese government believes could be part of rehearsals for imposing a maritime blockade in the event of a conflict.