South Korea to Form Crypto Investigative Unit: Report

As a researcher with extensive experience in studying the crypto market and its regulatory landscape, I am thrilled to see South Korea’s bold move towards creating a permanent government department dedicated to investigating crypto crimes. The temporary Joint Virtual Asset Crime Investigation Unit has proven its worth since its establishment in July 2023, with approximately 30 experts from various financial and tax regulatory bodies working tirelessly to tackle the rising tide of crypto-related criminal activities.


South Korea intends to upgrade its temporary cryptocurrency crime investigation team into a permanent government agency. The Justice Ministry and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety are spearheading this endeavor. Discussions for this transition are set to begin in early May.

As a researcher studying the current legal structure, I’ve come across a situation where a specific unit under the provisional supervision of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutor’s Office is at risk of being dismantled unless it receives permanent authorization. The intention behind this proposed modification is to bolster operational effectiveness by adding more prosecutors and designating a distinct budget allocation.

As a seasoned crypto investor, I’m excited to share that in the scorching summer of July 2023, a formidable team was established. Comprised of around thirty brilliant minds hailing from seven esteemed financial and tax regulatory bodies, we marked South Korea’s inaugural step towards a robust investigative force. Our mission? To relentlessly combat financial crimes that intertwine with the intricate world of digital assets.

As a researcher studying the trends in the cryptocurrency market, I’ve noticed an alarming surge in crypto-related criminal activities. In fact, companies handling local cryptocurrencies reported a staggering number of over 16,000 suspicious transactions last year (2023) alone. To address this issue and protect our users, we are taking decisive action.

South Korea’s establishment of a permanent department is a clear sign of its commitment to combating the rising threat of cryptocurrency crimes. This move underscores its forward-thinking approach to regulating the burgeoning digital asset market.

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2024-04-29 13:56