Written by Felix Ngstaff editorReviewed by Jesse Coghlanstaff editor
Written by Felix Ngstaff editor
Reviewed by Jesse Coghlanstaff editor
Chainalysis, South Korean police link up to fight crypto crime
Latest NewsPublishedJun 10, 2026
South Korea’s national police has been battling crypto-enabled crimes from DPRK-state level threats to scams targeting retail investors.
Blockchain security firm Chainalysis is strengthening its collaboration with South Korea’s national police to crack down on crypto crimes, including those involving North Korea.
Chainalysis stated on Wednesday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), aimed at building investigative capability within South Korea’s law enforcement.
Chainalysis stated one of the driving factors behind the agreement is to better combat North Korea-linked crypto attacks, with South Korea’s police “at the forefront” of tackling these threats. nevertheless, Chainalysis’s country director Ryan Kwon stated agreement aims to tackle all threats.
“While North Korean-driven attacks are understandably a national security focus, this partnership isn’t designed around a single threat. It’s fundamentally about building institutional capability,” Kwon told Cointelegraph.
Signing ceremony of the MoU between Chainalysis and the Korean National Police Agency. Source: Chainalysis
In April, crypto theft linked to North Korea topped $578 million, largely from attacks targeting Kelp DAO and the Drift Protocol. Research from CrowdStrike found that North Korea-affiliated hackers were responsible for $2 billion in crypto losses in 2025, up 51% from the year before.
Related: South Korea police raid Bithumb over lawmaker hiring favoritism probe: Report
The agreement will give the KNPA access to personalized training content by Chainalysis, along with professional certification programs and practical training.
“To investigate these cases effectively, Korean investigators need global visibility into illicit fund flows,” Chainalysis stated.
Chainalysis has aided South Korean investigators for years. In September, police in Seoul dismantled an international hacking organization that had stolen approximately $30 million. The investigation began in South Korea but eventually saw investigators track the target to Thailand.
The MoU comes weeks after South Korean police introduced a special multi-agency task force to tackle crypto-based money laundering, called the Money Laundering Eradication Task Force, which is led by the Economic Crime Investigation Division.
Magazine: North Korea denies crypto hacks, Upbit’s bank tests Ripple: Asia Express
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.
- South Korea
- Police
- Crimes
- Scams & Cybercrime
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