Aave fights to release $292M stolen in Kelp DAO hack amid legal claims tied to North Korea judgments.

Aave is legally challenging a restraining notice that blocks the transfer of 30,766 ETH (worth about $292 million) stolen in the recent Kelp DAO hack. The notice was filed by Gerstein Harrow LLP, which claims its clients are owed over $877 million from North Korea-related judgments and argues the stolen funds fall under this liability. Aave counters that stolen assets cannot establish legal ownership and that the alleged North Korea link is unproven. The dispute affects victims awaiting compensation and could impact the broader DeFi ecosystem, with a vote ongoing to decide fund release by May 7.