In a significant move against cybercrime, South Korea has successfully extradited a hacker from Lithuania, who is alleged to have stolen over $1.8 million worth of digital assets. The 29-year-old suspect stands accused of employing malware to manipulate cryptocurrency transactions by altering wallet addresses.
The announcement was made by the National Office of Investigation (NOI), part of the Korean National Police Agency, which emphasized that the extradition followed a lengthy investigation spanning over five years. The suspect was apprehended in Georgia after entering the country in April.
Reports indicate that from April 2020 to January 2023, the hacker distributed malicious software known as KMSAuto, disguised as a legitimate Microsoft Windows activation tool. This malware was shared more than 2 million times globally, utilizing a memory hacking technique that replaced legitimate wallet addresses with the hacker”s own during cryptocurrency transactions.
The scheme specifically targeted users who were not utilizing licensed software, resulting in the infection of over 3,100 wallets worldwide. The criminal successfully intercepted digital asset transactions 840 times, accumulating a staggering total of 1.7 billion won. Among the victims were eight South Korean nationals, who collectively lost 16 million won.
The investigation into the hacker”s activities began in August 2020 when a user reported losing one Bitcoin, valued at 12 million won at the time. This transaction was reportedly redirected to an incorrect wallet address. Subsequent inquiries led to the identification of multiple victims and the tracing of stolen assets across six countries.
In December of the previous year, South Korean authorities collaborated with Lithuania”s Ministry of Justice, law enforcement, and prosecutors to conduct a coordinated operation. This effort culminated in a raid on the suspect”s residence in Lithuania, resulting in the seizure of numerous digital devices, including mobile phones and laptops. To facilitate prosecution, South Korea also requested a red notice from Interpol.
The extradition marks a pivotal step in South Korea”s commitment to combating cybercrime. Park Woo-hyun, head of cyber investigations at the National Police Agency, expressed gratitude towards the cooperating nations and reaffirmed Korea”s dedication to confronting borderless cybercriminal activities through international law enforcement collaboration.
Residents are now urged to remain vigilant when engaging with digital assets and to promptly report any theft incidents to the authorities. The police also cautioned against involvement in illegal activities, particularly in light of a recent conviction involving a South Korean individual who collaborated with a North Korean hacker.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the South Korean authorities emphasize the importance of security and vigilance in protecting against cyber threats.
