A 60-year-old cryptocurrency fugitive was arrested in Seoul for throwing a cigarette

ChainCatcher news, according to Protos, a 60-year-old cryptocurrency fugitive was arrested in Seoul on August 22, 2025, for allegedly defrauding $13 million in cryptocurrency. The man was stopped by the police for throwing away a cigarette and attempted to evade further questioning by bribing them.

The police intercepted the man in the Gwanak District of Seoul, where he pleaded with officers to let him go while trying to hail a taxi. He refused to hand over his ID and attempted to flee, ultimately being apprehended. Investigations revealed that he was involved in a cryptocurrency scam amounting to 17.7 billion won (approximately $12.6 million) between 2018 and 2019, affecting around 1,300 victims.

Currently, the man faces 10 charges including assault and fraud, and has been on the run since 2020; he is now detained by the Southern District Prosecutors' Office in Seoul.