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South Korea Customs Dismantles $102 Million Cross-Border Crypto Laundering Network

Customs referred three Chinese nationals to prosecutors after tracing 148.9 billion won in crypto flows.

Overview

  • The network allegedly operated from September 2021 to June 2024, routing cryptocurrency bought in multiple countries into South Korean wallets before conversion to won.
  • Transfers were disguised as routine expenses, including cosmetic surgery fees for foreign nationals and overseas education costs, to avoid scrutiny.
  • Three Chinese nationals were referred to prosecutors on suspected foreign exchange law violations as authorities pursue potential links to a broader network.
  • Investigators say fragmented, high-frequency transfers across multiple platforms and accounts drew attention despite efforts to evade monitoring.
  • The Korea Customs Service has tightened surveillance of cryptocurrency-related foreign exchange transactions and is examining the origins and final destinations of the funds.