A leading cryptocurrency firm disputed claims that it employed a North Korean information technology (IT) worker but acknowledged it had “engaged” with the Pyongyang-linked operative.

In a statement posted on social media Monday, blockchain and Web3 software company Consensys stated it “identified and contained a threat” earlier this year from an individual it had engaged through a third-party service.

“The individual was never a Consensys employee,” the company said.

“After the threat was quickly identified, we immediately terminated all access, launched a comprehensive investigation, and notified law enforcement,” it added.

The firm’s statement came after investigative news outlet Drop Site