Police probe crypto-paid revenge vandalism

Police in South Korea have arrested individuals allegedly paid in cryptocurrency to carry out “private revenge” attacks involving vandalism, threats and the spreading of food and human waste.

According to local outlet Hankyoreh, suspects were recruited via Telegram and reportedly received between 500,000 and 1,000,000 won ($337–$675) worth of crypto for intimidation acts.

Two men identified as “Mr. Lim” and “Mr. K” were arrested after vandalising residential doors in Suwon, outside Seoul, and distributing defamatory leaflets bearing messages such as:

“I will not leave you alone,”

With one suspect also accused of scattering food and human waste.

Police said the individuals acted under the direction of a Telegram-based organisation and are now tracking higher-level organisers believed to be coordinating the attacks.

Authorities are also examining potential links to a December vandalism case in which three people were reportedly paid in cryptocurrency for similar acts.

The incidents follow other crypto-linked controversies in South Korea, including a high-profile dispute over Bitcoin investments that resulted in attempted murder charges, and operational errors at Bithumb involving the mistaken crediting of up to 2,000 BTC before funds were largely recovered.

The cases add to growing scrutiny of crypto usage in criminal activity, even as blockchain transactions remain traceable and authorities increasingly leverage digital forensics to identify participants.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $68,163.32.