Bitcoin assets lost due to accidental access to scam sites, South Korean prosecutors open investigation

A serious incident has been uncovered within the South Korean law enforcement community. The Gwangju District Prosecutor’s Office accidentally discovered that a number of Bitcoin assets previously seized during criminal investigations had gone missing from their storage. This discovery drew public attention after BlockBeats reported the incident.

Discovery of Asset Loss During Routine Inspection

The loss was revealed when prosecutors conducted a standard audit of financial assets stored on USB devices. This internal audit process ultimately uncovered the disappearance of a large amount of Bitcoin. Although the exact amount has not yet been officially announced, reports indicate that the total loss is estimated to be around 70 billion won based on leaked internal estimates.

Unintentional Incident: Accessing a Scam Website During Inspection

The loss of Bitcoin was not due to deliberate negligence but was an unexpected accident. One prosecutor admitted that they accidentally accessed a website known for online scams while inspecting the assets. This incident demonstrates how easily digital security can be compromised, even within an official institutional environment.

Estimated Loss Value and Ongoing Investigation Status

Internal discussions within the office suggest that the amount of Bitcoin lost is estimated to be worth approximately 70 billion won. However, when the media pressed for official confirmation, a spokesperson from the Gwangju District Prosecutor’s Office responded cautiously: “We cannot confirm this matter.”

Nevertheless, the investigation into the missing assets is still ongoing. Authorities are working to trace where the Bitcoin has gone and how this accidental incident could have occurred. This case highlights the importance of strict cybersecurity protocols in government institutions handling high-value digital assets.