South Korean prosecutors have recovered roughly $21.4 million worth of bitcoin (BTC) stolen from their custody last year, according to local media reports.
Last December, the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office discovered that they had lost the bitcoin seized from a raid on a gambling platform. An internal investigation revealed that the bitcoin was hacked in August after investigators mistakenly accessed a phishing website and entered recovery seed phrases.
On Tuesday, the hacker returned 320.8 BTC to the wallet held by authorities, local news outlet Digital Asset reported. Prosecutors said they had blocked centralized exchange transactions involving the hacker’s wallet, making it difficult to liquidate the bitcoin. The hacker’s identity remains unknown.
Prosecutors have since moved the returned bitcoin to a local exchange for safekeeping and will continue to track down the hacker’s identity, the report said.
Meanwhile, the incident has prompted a nationwide review of investigative agencies’ management of seized digital assets. Last week, the investigation revealed that the Seoul Gangnam Police Station has also lost track of 22 BTC stored in a cold wallet since 2021.
The Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency confirmed with The Block that it has launched an internal probe to determine the exact circumstances of the leak and whether there was any internal involvement.
© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Stay ahead of the market by turning news insights into trading opportunities. With Coinhub Exchange, you can seamlessly buy, sell, and manage your digital assets, all in one secure platform. Take advantage of real-time market insights, deep liquidity, and fast execution for your favorite cryptocurrencies. Don’t just read about it — trade crypto now!
Disclaimer
The content of this article shown by Coinhub News, powered by The Block, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Coinhub News and its affiliates are not a licensed financial advisor, legal advisor, broker, or tax advisor, and ... should not be considered as professional advice or a recommendation to engage in any specific investment, legal decision, or financial transaction. Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative and volatile. Readers should perform their own independent research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial or legal decisions. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Company of its affiliates. Additionally, the Company does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or completeness of any information in this article. By accessing this content, you acknowledge that any reliance on the information contained in this article is solely at your own risk. The Company is not responsible for any financial losses, legal disputes, or other damages that may arise from reliance on this content or from any investment or legal decisions based on the information provided. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves substantial risks, including the risk of losing your entire investment, and you should carefully consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Read more
