Emre Yumlu 
A Russian national was taken into custody in Busan, South Korea, in connection with a failed crypto robbery attempt in Seoul. One of three suspects who allegedly tried to steal approximately $730,000 in cash was arrested several days after the incident.
Lured with a Fake Crypto Deal
According to local media reports, the incident occurred on May 21 at a hotel in Seoul’s Gangseo District. The suspects invited 10 Korean investors to the hotel under the pretense of a cryptocurrency transaction. Two were taken to a room while the others waited in the lobby. Inside, two suspects—wearing bulletproof vests, and armed with a fake handgun and a telescopic baton—attacked the victims and tied their hands.
Global Manhunt Launched for Escaped Suspects
One of the victims managed to escape and alerted the authorities, forcing the suspects to flee the scene without taking any money. Police found one injured person in the lobby and discovered a variety of tools in the suspects’ room, including a money counter, fake weapons, and equipment prepared for the robbery.
Although a request was made the next day to block the suspects from leaving the country, two had already fled. South Korean police announced that a global search was underway with Interpol cooperation to locate the fugitives. Meanwhile, the arrested suspect is being questioned, and prosecutors are preparing to request a detention warrant.
Rise in Violence Across the Crypto World
This incident highlights the increasing number of violence-related crimes linked to the crypto world. Individuals conducting high-value transactions have recently become targets of kidnappings and ransom attempts.
On May 13, the family of Pierre Noizat, CEO of the French crypto exchange Paymium, was the target of a similar kidnapping attempt. Likewise, an investor in Manhattan has been accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian man to gain access to digital assets.
As such cases become more frequent, crypto investors and executives are turning to private security services. On May 18, security firm Infinite Risks International reported a rise in protection service requests from prominent figures in the crypto industry.
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