Recently, a government official in South Korea has been detained, accused of involvement in cryptocurrency fraud and participation in phishing attacks. According to reports from Fn News, this individual was arrested on March 27th. She is a fifty-year-old woman holding a position as a level six official in a district office. According to police reports, she "solicited money from several victims."
The accusations suggest that the accused converted traditional currencies into bitcoins, which were then sent to a member of a group conducting phishing attacks.
Involvement in a Phishing Gang
According to statements from the police department in Seoul, specifically in the Dongdaemun district, the woman was arrested directly at a bank in Jegi-dong on charges of fraud. Allegedly, the official converted more than $74,000 into bitcoins for fraudulent purposes, which were then sent to a member of the phishing organization, from whom she received a "fee."
The accused claims to have been persuaded to participate in the gang's activities under the pretext of legitimate earnings.
Investigation Ongoing
The police are currently gathering evidence and attempting to identify additional potential victims. Addresses associated with the accused official are being searched, and further information is being examined. Investigators are also looking into whether the public official exploited information obtained in the course of her employment to lure victims.
Rise in Cryptocurrency Crime
Recent years have seen an increase in crimes related to cryptocurrencies, including phishing attacks, where fraudsters often impersonate government officials or bank employees. These cases often end with demands for money transfers to "resolve" fabricated issues.
One notable case involved an official who embezzled approximately $3.5 million from the National Health Insurance Corporation and converted the money into cryptocurrencies before fleeing to the Philippines. This case, along with the incident involving a high-ranking official trading dogecoin during a government meeting, highlights the growing issue of cryptocurrency crime in the country.
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