Attempted Murder Case Linked to Cryptocurrency Disputes
A man in South Korea is facing serious legal repercussions after allegedly attempting to poison his business partner due to disputes over mismanaged cryptocurrency investments. According to The Chosun Daily, the South Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office has charged the individual, aged 39, with attempted murder and violations of pesticide regulations.
Details of the Incident
The troubling incident reportedly occurred on November 23 at a coffee shop located by Seokchon Lake in Songpa-gu, Seoul, where the accused, referred to as Mr. A, served his partner, Mr. B, a drink laced with methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide that is banned in South Korea. In a statement to Asia Business Daily, Mr. B recounted the shocking event, revealing he was preparing for marriage and was expecting a child at the time.
“My family was almost completely destroyed,”
he lamented, sharing that he has since recovered but continues to require medical attention.
Background of the Partnership
The duo had partnered in a Bitcoin investment venture since 2022, managing varying funds together. Tensions between them reportedly soared following a substantial financial loss, with Mr. A losing approximately 1.17 billion won (around $811,000). The cause of the financial downturn remains under wraps, and it remains unclear whether Mr. B’s actions led to the loss or if it was a result of fraud or theft.
Market Context and Psychological Pressure
Bitcoin’s value has plummeted significantly this past year, declining by 35% from its preceding all-time high of $126,080 in October before the alleged poisoning. As such, analysts speculate that the stress surrounding their investment returns may have exacerbated conflicts between the pair, leading Mr. A to plot the poisoning after Mr. B assumed control over their investments in September.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, the victim collapsed and was promptly hospitalized, where he spent three days in intensive care before regaining consciousness. A preliminary hearing for Mr. A is set for March 10 at the Seoul Eastern District Court. Prosecutors suggest that the accused had purchased the pesticide before the investment slump.
Broader Implications
This case is reflective of a disturbing trend of violence associated with cryptocurrency dealings. A recent report from CertiK highlighted a shocking 75% increase in violent crimes linked to cryptocurrency, which led to over $40.9 million in losses in 2025 alone. Notable instances include a home invasion directed at a crypto executive’s family in France, the arrest of teenagers in the UK for stealing $4.3 million in digital assets through a knife-point robbery, and even a kidnapping and murder in Spain during which perpetrators sought to access victims’ crypto wallets.
