On August 28th, a shocking incident occurred at the Seoul Southern District Court when Haru Invest CEO, Mr. Lee (40), was attacked with a knife during a court hearing. The assailant, identified as a man in his 50s, Mr. A, emerged from the audience area and attacked Mr. Lee while he was seated at the defense table, awaiting the proceedings.
Mr. A is known to be a victim of Haru Invest’s recent financial scandal, where the company abruptly halted cryptocurrency withdrawals in June of the previous year, causing significant financial losses to its customers. Haru Invest had promised high returns and capital protection to its clients, leading to the accumulation of approximately 1.4 trillion KRW (around $1.2 billion USD) in customer assets. However, the company’s financial collapse led to widespread losses.
The attack occurred during Mr. Lee’s trial for fraud charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes. Mr. A, who had premeditated the attack, brandished a 20cm-long knife and managed to bypass court security before launching his assault. The courtroom was thrown into chaos as security personnel and other bystanders rushed to subdue the attacker. Mr. Lee sustained serious injuries to his neck and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but fortunately, his condition is reported to be stable.
During police interrogation, Mr. A stated that his actions were motivated by his frustration and financial losses caused by the collapse of Haru Invest. This incident highlights the growing dissatisfaction and despair among investors affected by the instability in the cryptocurrency market.
The incident has also raised significant concerns about courtroom security. The knife used in the attack reportedly passed through metal detectors unnoticed, prompting an investigation into the adequacy of security measures at the court. Authorities are currently reviewing the materials used in the weapon and are considering improvements to security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This tragic event underscores the volatility of the cryptocurrency market and the need for stronger protections for investors. It also serves as a stark reminder of the extreme consequences that financial despair can bring about.
