Crypto Fraud Case Takes Violent Turn: CEO Attacked in Court

• Haru Invest CEO, Mr. Lee, attacked in court during his fraud trial over $826M embezzlement.
• Mr. Kang, a victim of the fraud, smuggled a knife into court and stabbed Mr. Lee multiple times.
• South Korean authorities investigate the courtroom security breach after the assault on Mr. Lee.

The CEO of South Korean crypto-earning platform Haru Invest, Mr. Lee, was attacked in court on August 28. The incident happened during the eighth trial of his ongoing fraud case at the Seoul Southern District Court, where he faces accusations of defrauding $826 million in cryptocurrency from 16,000 users.

Mr. Lee was stabbed multiple times in the neck by a victim of the alleged fraud, identified as 51-year-old Mr. Kang.

Mr. Kang, who reportedly lost funds in the Haru Invest scandal, smuggled a 20cm knife into Courtroom No. 306. As Mr. Lee sat in the defendant’s chair around 2:20 P.M., Kang suddenly rushed forward and attacked him.

The courtroom, presided over by Judge Yang Hwan-seung in the 15th Criminal Division, had six observers present at the time of the attack, including other victims of the case. The assault left Mr. Lee bleeding heavily on the courtroom floor, with blood splattered over a 30cm diameter area. Court security quickly subdued Mr. Kang and called for emergency services.

Seoul Yangcheon Police Station officers, along with rescue teams, arrived at the scene at approximately 2:30 P.M. By 2:43 P.M., Mr. Lee was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition remains undisclosed. Mr. Lee’s court appearance was part of ongoing legal proceedings stemming from Haru Invest’s decision to halt deposits and withdrawals in June 2023.

The CEO was arrested and charged in February 2024 under South Korea’s Aggravated Punishment Act for Specific Economic Crimes. In July, Mr. Lee, along with two other executives, was released on bail and faced continued investigation into his alleged involvement in the $826 million fraud.

South Korean authorities have launched an investigation into the courtroom assault. Mr. Kang was arrested immediately after the attack, and the police are investigating his motivations and how he managed to bring a weapon into the courtroom.