- Mastermind Had Plastic Surgery to Evade Capture
- Suspect Apprehended After 10-Month Manhunt
- Further Arrests of Involved Individuals
Seoul Police have arrested 14 individuals, including the ringleader, for a $12.8 million crypto mining scam.
Mastermind Had Plastic Surgery to Evade Capture
The operation’s ringleader, a man in his 40s identified only by his surname Lee, went to extraordinary lengths, including undergoing plastic surgery, to avoid detection by law enforcement. Authorities in the South Korean capital announced on August 30 that Lee had been taken into custody after a 10-month manhunt. He is accused of organizing a fraudulent virtual asset mining business that swindled 158 victims out of their investments between November 2021 and June 2022.
Suspect Apprehended After 10-Month Manhunt
Despite his efforts, the alleged criminal’s luck ran out when police arrested him earlier this month. He had been on the run since September of last year after failing to appear for a substantive examination of his arrest warrant. During his time in hiding, Lee was reportedly assisted by the office manager of the law firm he had hired. The office manager allegedly helped him escape by finding a plastic surgery clinic willing to perform the procedures and providing him with a fake phone to throw off investigators further.
Further Arrests of Involved Individuals
In addition to his arrest, authorities also apprehended the eight recruiters who played key roles in the fraudulent operation. These individuals were handed over to the prosecution in September of last year and earlier this month, respectively.
The uncovered crypto scam highlights the importance of thoroughly vetting investment opportunities and being aware of potential risks.
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