A South Korean court has sentenced two individuals to prison for their involvement in drug trafficking facilitated by cryptocurrency. This marks a continued effort by the judiciary to curb Bitcoin and altcoin-related crime.
Court Findings and Sentences
The Namyangju Criminal Division of the Uijeongbu District Court found a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman guilty of violating the Narcotics Control Act. Presiding judge Ahn Bok-yeol sentenced both individuals to eight months in jail, followed by two years of probation. Additionally, the judge mandated that they complete 40 hours of drug rehabilitation and treatment classes.
Details of the Crime
The duo paid a drug dealer using an unspecified cryptocurrency through a transaction arranged via the Telegram chat app. Prosecutors stated that the dealer concealed vials of synthetic marijuana in a secret location in April of the previous year. This location was part of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner installed in a public building in Seoul.
Use of Cryptocurrency to Evade Detection
The transactions were conducted using virtual currency to evade police tracking. This method is becoming increasingly popular among drug dealers, who consider cryptocurrencies their currency of choice.
Leniency in Sentencing
In his sentencing, Judge Ahn acknowledged the challenges in detecting drug crimes and the significant negative societal impact due to their addictive nature. However, he noted the court’s leniency, considering the defendants’ acknowledgment of their crimes, their remorse, and their lack of prior similar offenses.
Rise in Crypto-Powered Drug Crime
Crypto-powered drug crime is escalating in South Korea. The government has declared an “all-out war” on such activities. Despite increased convictions and enhanced police monitoring of blockchain networks, drug dealers continue to advertise their services online without significant hindrance.
Ongoing Online Advertising by Dealers
On June 10, Cryptonews.com discovered numerous X posts and Telegram channels advertising nationwide drug delivery services in South Korea. These channels and posts were easily found by searching for commonly used Korean drug-related terms. Many of these posts included crypto wallet addresses and mentioned payments in tokens like BTC and USDT.
Telegram as a Marketplace for Young South Koreans
Media reports have highlighted that Telegram has become a popular platform for young South Koreans. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are their preferred medium of exchange for drug transactions.
