Seoul Police and Chainalysis Dismantle International Hacker Group

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, utilizing Chainalysis tools, dismantled an international hacker group after two years, recovering approximately $10.8 million from a $30 million crypto theft.

This operation underscores advanced blockchain analytics and international cooperation in combating cybercrime, highlighting the potential for significant asset recovery in complex, cross-border cryptocurrency investigations.

Blockchain Tracking Tools Prove Vital in Crypto Crime Investigation

Following a thorough 24-month investigation, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency successfully dissolved an international hacking operation responsible for stealing millions. The group was adept at exploiting mobile accounts and posing as institutional personnel to funnel funds illicitly.

The financial recovery reached 36%, as approximately 14 billion won was reclaimed. The operation emphasized the utility of blockchain analytics, particularly the Chainalysis Reactor tool, in tracking and intercepting illicit financial flows. Chainalysis highlighted this case on their official blog, stating that transparency and collaboration can significantly aid in recovering stolen funds. Such breakthroughs are reshaping interactions between tech firms and law enforcement globally, as seen in the crackdown on these cybercrime activities.

“This case exemplifies how blockchain’s transparency, supported with the right tools and partnerships, can lead to high-value recoveries—even after ransom payments have been made.” – Chainalysis Team, Official Blog, Chainalysis

Market Insights and Future Implications

Did you know?
A similar large-scale crypto theft saw over $1.5 billion stolen in the Bybit hack linked to North Korea in early 2025. Such incidents highlight vulnerabilities in crypto security that necessitate enhanced blockchain analysis and international cooperation.

As discussed in the 2025 Crypto Crime Report, “More than $2 billion in cryptocurrency was stolen by hackers in the first half of 2025, … already surpasses the losses seen in all of 2024,” highlighting the rising threat and the need for heightened vigilance.

Financial analysts at Coincu suggest that the success of the Seoul police and Chainalysis collaboration could influence regulatory frameworks, boosting confidence and potentially encouraging more crypto crime initiatives by global authorities. This case may signal a shift toward more coordinated and tech-driven law enforcement strategies in the cryptocurrency domain.