South Korean Customs Bust $107M Crypto Laundering Ring Run by Chinese Nationals
South Korean customs authorities have uncovered a $107 million cryptocurrency laundering ring operated by three Chinese nationals. The scheme, which ran from September 2021 to June 2025, disguised illicit foreign exchange transactions as legitimate payments for cosmetic surgery and university tuition. Overseas clients transferred funds in foreign currencies to the operators, who converted the money into cryptocurrency via overseas exchanges. The crypto was then moved to South Korean wallets, sold for local currency, and funneled through domestic bank accounts. The operation exploited regulatory gaps in monitoring high-value service industries and crypto off-ramps. All suspects have been arrested and referred for prosecution under the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act.
ccn.com01/19 11:47
