According to ShibDaily, a Russian national has been detained by the Gangseo Police Precinct in Seoul for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent cryptocurrency transaction aimed at luring South Korean men to a hotel, where he attempted to steal approximately 1 billion won, equivalent to around $728,000. The incident, reported by local outlet JoongAng Daily, involves two additional suspects believed to have fled South Korea. Authorities revealed that the Russian suspect, along with his alleged accomplices, arranged a meeting under the pretense of a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency exchange.
The supposed crypto deal escalated into violence, with two Korean victims reportedly assaulted with blunt objects inside a hotel room. A group of ten South Korean men had been invited to a hotel in Seoul’s Gangseo District for the alleged transaction. While eight were instructed to wait in the lobby, two were directed to a guest room upstairs. The suspects, reportedly wearing protective vests, concealed themselves in the hotel bathroom before launching a surprise attack. Upon entering the room, the victims were confronted with what appeared to be a firearm, later identified as a replica. The assailants restrained the victims using cable ties and physically assaulted them with a collapsible baton and their fists.
One of the victims managed to escape and alerted the others waiting in the lobby. The assailants allegedly attempted to seize a bag containing 1 billion won intended for the transaction but abandoned the effort and fled after the others intervened. Following the incident, authorities sought an overseas travel restriction on the three suspects using the identities provided during the hotel reservation. Despite this, it was confirmed that one suspect had already left the country shortly after the attack, with another departing soon after. A police official stated, “We have requested assistance from Interpol to track down the suspects who fled overseas.” They added that they are currently questioning the apprehended suspect regarding the motive and details of the crime and are considering filing for a pretrial detention warrant.
This incident is the latest in a series of crypto-related crimes reported recently, highlighting a growing concern within the cryptocurrency community. The rise in offenses, including attempted kidnappings, underscores the increasing risks associated with cryptocurrency transactions. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.