The CEO of South Korean cryptocurrency firm Haru Invest, Hugo Hyungsoo Lee, was violently attacked in the courtroom. Lee, who is at the centre of a massive cryptocurrency fraud case, was stabbed multiple times in the neck by an enraged investor during the proceedings, highlighting the escalating tensions surrounding the case.
Courtroom Chaos: Haru Invest CEO Stabbed
The assault occurred as Lee stood trial alongside other Haru Invest executives, accused of embezzling approximately $826 million in digital assets from over 16,000 investors. The attack, which left Lee critically injured, was carried out by a man in his 40s who was reportedly one of the defrauded investors. The assailant, seated among the trial’s attendees, suddenly lunged at Lee with a small knife, striking him in the neck before security could intervene. Lee was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Haru Invest: The Fallout of a Massive Crypto Scam
Haru Invest, once a promising crypto-earning platform, has been under intense scrutiny since it abruptly suspended withdrawals on June 13, 2023. The following day, Delio, another crypto management firm with ties to Haru, also halted withdrawals, further deepening the crisis. South Korean prosecutors allege that Haru Invest executives, including Lee, misappropriated customers’ funds by reinvesting them in high-risk schemes under the guise of “risk-free diversified investment techniques.” The fraudulent activities reportedly took place from March 2020 to June 2023, leading to significant losses for thousands of investors.
Lee, who was initially arrested in February 2024 along with other top executives, was released in July ahead of the trial. However, the ongoing legal proceedings have only intensified the anger and frustration of those affected by the scam, culminating in the violent attack on Lee.
The Rise of Physical Attacks in the Crypto World
The attack on Lee underscores a growing and alarming trend in the cryptocurrency world—physical violence against those involved in digital assets. While cyber-attacks and hacks have long been a concern, recent incidents suggest that physical assaults are becoming more common as the stakes in the crypto industry rise.
Just weeks before the attack on Lee, a gang of Chinese nationals in Thailand forcibly extracted over $2 million in cryptocurrency from a victim at gunpoint. In another incident, a foreign Bitcoin holder was kidnapped and robbed of his assets in Kyiv, Ukraine. These cases reflect a disturbing shift from cyber threats to direct physical violence, highlighting the increasing dangers faced by those involved in the volatile world of cryptocurrency.
Also Read: Cryptocurrency Safety Guide: 9 Methods to Identify Fake Cryptocurrencies
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