A South Korean man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly poisoning his business partner with an agricultural poison. The reason: a conflict over a loss of more than $816,000 in crypto. The man is said to have put the pesticide methomyl in his partner’s coffee during an appointment in a cafe.
Victim unconscious for three days after poisoned coffee
According to the Seoul Public Prosecution Service, the suspect put the poison in his partner’s coffee during a business meeting in November. Shortly after drinking, the victim lost consciousness. He was rushed to hospital and revived three days later.
The suspect, a man in his thirties, is charged with attempted murder. The first court hearing is scheduled for March 10.
Conflict arose after losses of 1.17 billion won
The two men have run an investment company together since 2022 that focused on Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies. According to prosecutors, a serious conflict arose after the suspect lost more than 1.17 billion Korean won, equivalent to approximately US$816,000. This involved both working capital and personally invested money.
After the loss, his business partner took financial control of the company, further escalating tensions.
The victim told Asia Business Daily that the impact was enormous. “I was about to get married and my wife was pregnant. My family was almost completely destroyed,” he said.
Crypto market in South Korea is growing explosively
The case comes at a time when the crypto market in South Korea has grown strongly. The number of crypto exchange users exceeded 16 million last year, more than 30% of the population. Since the election of President Lee Jae-myung, several laws have been introduced that provide more clarity to the sector, including legislation surrounding stablecoins.
Source: https://newsbit.nl/zuid-koreaanse-zakenman-aangeklaagd-voor-poging-tot-moord-na-vergiftiging-met-pesticide-in-cryptoruzie/
