Haru Invest CEO stabbed during fraud trial: report

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As a seasoned researcher with a keen interest in the intersection of finance and technology, I find myself constantly on the edge of my seat when it comes to the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies. The latest news from South Korea about the attack on Hugo Hyungsoo Lee, CEO of troubled crypto lender Haru Invest, is a chilling reminder of the high-stakes game being played in this space.

In my professional capacity as an analyst, I’ve learned that the leader of the embattled cryptocurrency lender Haru Invest was allegedly assaulted with a knife within the courtroom during a hearing related to fraud charges against him.

In the courthouse during his ongoing fraud trial, the CEO of South Korea’s crypto yield platform Haru Invest, Hugo Hyungsoo Lee, was violently assaulted with a knife, according to reports from Digital Asset, a South Korean media outlet, on August 28th. The information comes from sources who were present at the trial.

An incident allegedly took place at the Seoul Southern District Court, with Lee sitting at the defendant’s podium. Lee has been under investigation since the halting of deposits and withdrawals at Haru and Delio in June 2023. He was formally accused of fraud in February under South Korea’s Act on Aggravated Punishment for Specific Economic Crimes, gaining release on bail in July.

In the defendant’s seat, Lee found himself under assault when a person linked to the Haru incident, known as “Kang,” suddenly lunged at him with a hidden 5 cm knife. This unexpected attacker, who had been watching the trial, allegedly charged towards Lee and repeatedly stabbed him in the neck. Swiftly reacting, courtroom guards managed to restrain Kang.

After the attack, it’s said that Lee was found bleeding on the courtroom floor, which had bloodstains. Quickly after, emergency responders appeared, and Lee was taken to a hospital nearby. His present state of health is uncertain. Kang was apprehended at the scene and is now being investigated by police, according to reports.

This event is connected to the Haru Invest case’s latest updates. Back in February 2024, South Korean authorities apprehended three top executives at Haru, including both co-CEOs, on accusations of stealing about 10 billion won (equivalent to $826 million) from roughly 16,000 clients. The company is said to have falsified its investment methods and employed deceptive marketing strategies for high-interest products.

As a researcher, I’m delving into the recent events surrounding Haru and Delio, two companies that unexpectedly halted withdrawals in June 2023. Initially, Haru Invest marketed their ability to manage deposits using low-risk strategies. However, upon closer inspection, it appears that the majority of client deposits were invested through a sole individual, which raises significant concerns about the safety and transparency of their operations.

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2024-08-28 10:58