Crypto Scammer Captured in Seoul After Discarding Cigarette Butt

A 60-year-old fugitive behind a $13 million cryptocurrency scam was apprehended in Seoul after discarding a cigarette on the street. The man, identified only as A, had evaded authorities for nearly five years before his careless act led to his arrest.

Police stopped the suspect in Gwanak District after he littered and attempted to flee. He refused to present identification, offered bribes, and pleaded for leniency before being detained. Investigations revealed his involvement in a 17.7 billion won ($13 million) fraud scheme that victimized 1,300 people between 2018 and 2019.

The arrest highlights how minor slip-ups can unravel sophisticated criminal operations. This case follows a pattern of crypto scammers being undone by mundane mistakes, reminiscent of James Zhong's 2012 Bitcoin theft from Silk Road.