Haru Invest CEO’s health condition remained unknown while the attacker was arrested.
In a shocking turn of events, Hugo Hyungsoo Lee, the CEO of South Korean crypto firm Haru Invest, was stabbed multiple times in the neck during a courtroom hearing on Wednesday. The attack occurred at the Seoul Southern District Court, where Lee was on trial for fraud charges related to the company’s alleged embezzlement of $826 million from 16,000 users.
CEO Stabbed in Courtroom
As Lee sat at the defendant’s seat, the assailant, identified as a victim of Haru Invest, suddenly sprang up from the guest seat and attacked Lee with a small knife. The unexpected attack sent shockwaves through the courtroom, with the guards quickly acting to subdue the man.
Despite their swift response, Lee bled profusely on the trial room floor, which was soon marked with bloodstains. Emergency services arrived, and Lee was transported to a nearby hospital. The severity of his injuries and his current condition remain unknown, leaving many to fear for his safety and well-being.
Meanwhile, the perpetrator was arrested at the scene and is now under police custody. The motivations behind his attack are not yet clear. As the investigation unfolds, more details about his identity and motives will likely emerge.
Haru Invest Alleged Fraud Details
Haru Invest had marketed itself as a risk-free platform offering high yields. Last year, however, the firm revealed issues with its financial partners, suspended withdrawals, and laid off around 100 employees to stabilize the company.
Seoul’s Southern District Prosecutors’ Office arrested three executives of the Singapore-based crypto firm as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged embezzlement. The South Korean authorities claimed that Haru Invest intentionally masterminded a scam to steal customers’ digital assets and failed to provide the promised returns on investment.
The criminal act in the last place one would expect, the courtroom, gives evidence that crypto-related crimes are now shifting from solely cyber-based to more physical and violent acts. This highlights the need for increased security measures and cooperation by law enforcement agencies.