[A South Korean man suspected of a $12 million crypto fraud case escaped for 10 months with the help of plastic surgery and was arrested] On September 2, the South Korean police arrested a man in his 40s in August 2024 for allegedly planning a major cryptocurrency fraud case, defrauding 158 investors of a total of 16 billion won (about 12 million US dollars). It is reported that the fraud lasted from November 2021 to June 2022. The suspect promised investors an 18% monthly return rate under the guise of a fake cryptocurrency mining business. The victims' personal losses ranged from 1.2 million won to 250 million won. After failing to attend the pre-trial hearing in September 2023, the suspect successfully evaded pursuit for 10 months by spending about 21 million won on eye, nose and facial contouring surgery and wearing a wig to change his appearance. Eventually, the police successfully arrested him through clues such as surveillance videos, phone records and Internet search history.
