South Korean Police Officers Arrested in Crypto Bribery Scandal
South Korean authorities have arrested two police officers—a superintendent and a senior officer—for allegedly accepting bribes from operators of illegal cryptocurrency exchanges. The exchanges were reportedly involved in voice phishing schemes that laundered $186 million (249.6 billion won).
Prosecutors allege the senior officer provided insider investigative information in exchange for cash and luxury goods. One officer, identified as 'G,' accepted $7,500 (10 million won) in cash and expensive items, while Chief 'F' allegedly took $59,000 (79 million won) between July 2022 and February 2024 from illicit crypto operators.
The Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office confirmed both officers were dismissed following their arrests. They are accused of sharing sensitive investigation details, introducing attorneys to suspects, and facilitating the unfreezing of accounts tied to criminal activity.
