A former financial management team leader at the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for embezzling 4.6 billion KRW. The Supreme Court upheld the original verdict after Mr. Choi, the accused, and the prosecution appealed. Choi reportedly squandered a significant portion of the stolen funds – approximately 3.9 billion KRW after NHIS recovered 720 million KRW – on highly speculative cryptocurrency futures investments, resulting in substantial losses. This case highlights the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments and the severe consequences of embezzlement, particularly when involving public funds. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the gravity of the crime and serves as a deterrent against similar offenses. This also raises concerns about internal controls within the NHIS and the need for enhanced oversight to prevent future incidents. ```