South Korean Cryptocurrency Custody CEO Attacked in Court

The CEO of Haru Invest, a virtual asset investment company, was stabbed in court during his trial.

The incident occurred today at the Seoul Southern District Court, where the CEO, identified as Mr. Lee, was attending his eighth hearing session on fraud charges.

Mr. Lee had been under investigation since June 2023 following the suspension of deposits and withdrawals by Haru Invest and Delio.

He was arrested in February 2024 on fraud charges under the Law on Aggravated Punishment of Certain Economic Crimes and released on bail in July.

The stabbing incident occurred during a hearing presided over by Chief Justice Yang Hwan-seung in Courtroom 306.

While Mr Lee was sitting in the dock, a victim of the Haru incident, identified as Kang, suddenly attacked him with a knife.

Kang, a man in his 40s, had a 5cm knife hidden in his clothing and was sitting in the lounge with five other victims of the Haru incident. He suddenly ran towards Mr Lee and stabbed him repeatedly in the neck.

With only one journalist from Digital Asset present, the courtroom quickly descended into chaos as security guards subdued Kang.

Mr. Lee collapsed from massive blood loss, with visible blood stains on his dark suit and the courtroom floor. Mr. Lee was transported to a nearby hospital.

The Seoul Yangcheon Police Station arrested Kang at the scene and is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.

*This is not investment advice.