Crypto-paid ‘revenge for hire’ ring busted in South Korea
South Korean police have arrested a series of individuals believed to be acting as hired agents committing what authorities describe as “private revenge” attacks, which have involved vandalism and threatening behavior directed at private residences.
- Multiple suspects in “private revenge” vandalism have been arrested by police in Gyeonggi Province.
- Investigators say the suspects were paid in cryptocurrency and acted on instructions via Telegram.
- Police are pursuing higher-level coordinators as part of the ongoing investigation.
South Korean police arrest agents in series of “private revenge” vandalism cases
According to reports, the most recent arrest was carried out on March 1 by the Suwon District Court, which issued a warrant for a man in his 20s identified only as Im on charges of property damage and criminal trespass.
Prosecutors allege that on the evening of February 22, the suspect entered an apartment building in Dongtan New City, Gyeonggi Province, where he allegedly sprayed red lacquer on the front door of a resident’s home and scattered trash on the floor.
Police say the suspect also distributed dozens of leaflets defaming the alleged victim and broadcasted excrement at the scene.
Police say they are pursuing leads on the person or network believed to have instructed the group through the encrypted messaging app Telegram, suggesting an organized effort behind the vandalism. All of the suspects arrested so far reportedly told investigators that they were paid between 500,000 and 1,000,000 won (about $380 – $760) in cryptocurrency for carrying out the acts.
Earlier arrests include another man in his 20s detained after entering a multi-family home in Sanbon-dong, Gunpo City on February 24 and spraying the front door with lacquer while leaving threatening materials.
Prosecutors said the suspect’s behavior and materials suggested coordination with others giving instructions.
Authorities are also reviewing a December incident in Pyeongtaek involving similar criminal behavior. Police have linked that case and the recent ones to overlapping methods and are continuing to investigate possible connections and higher-level coordinators.
Officials say the crimes illustrate how social media and encrypted platforms can be misused to organize and incentivize harassment, and they have pledged to track down those orchestrating the campaign.
