South Korean Court Sentences Pair for Using Cryptocurrency in Drug Trafficking
In a recent development, a South Korean court has handed down jail sentences to two individuals for engaging in drug trafficking using cryptocurrency. This decision comes as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to combat crimes involving Bitcoin and other digital currencies.
According to reports from News1, 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. The presiding judge, Ahn Bok-yeol, sentenced both individuals to eight months in jail along with two years of probation. Additionally, they were ordered to attend 40 hours of drug rehabilitation and treatment classes.
The court learned that the duo had used an undisclosed cryptocurrency to pay a drug dealer through transactions conducted on the Telegram chat app. Prosecutors revealed that the dealer had hidden vials of synthetic marijuana in a secret location in Seoul, contacting the pair to disclose the hiding spot. To evade detection by law enforcement, the transactions were carried out using virtual currency.
Judge Ahn emphasized the seriousness of crypto-powered drug crimes but noted that the court had been lenient in its sentencing. He highlighted the increasing trend of such offenses in South Korea, prompting the government to declare a comprehensive crackdown on them. Despite heightened convictions and enhanced police surveillance of blockchain networks, drug dealers continue to operate online with impunity.
Reports have indicated the widespread use of Telegram for advertising drug delivery services across the country. Numerous posts and channels were found promoting these services, with payment options including popular cryptocurrencies like BTC and USDT. This highlights the growing popularity of digital currencies among young South Koreans, who view them as their preferred medium of exchange.
As South Korea intensifies its efforts to combat crypto-related crimes, it remains to be seen how authorities will address the persistent challenges posed by drug trafficking facilitated by digital assets. Stay updated on the latest developments by following us on Google News.