South Korean Customs Officer Foils Crypto Mining Rig Smugglers
South Korea’s Customs Service recently honored an employee who successfully prevented smugglers from illegally bringing crypto mining rigs into the country. According to reports, the staff member at Incheon Airport Regional Customs intercepted smugglers attempting to import virtual currency mining machines worth approximately 1.4 million. The Customs Service commended the efforts of Supervisor So Min-seop, who identified a shipment with disguised product names in its customs clearance documentation. So’s vigilance led to the discovery of an unregistered and undeclared container filled with crypto mining rigs. The service recognized So’s exceptional performance by awarding him the “person of merit” prize in the “special customs clearance” category at an awards ceremony. The Korea Customs Service emphasized its commitment to recognizing employees who demonstrate outstanding capabilities in customs administration. Additionally, it acknowledged that So had made valuable contributions to the interception of other smuggled goods through thorough information analysis skills.
The South Korean Customs Service has been actively combating illegal crypto activities and drug smuggling. In another notable interception, customs officials rewarded their colleagues for seizing 3.85 kg of methamphetamine concealed in the luggage of air travelers arriving from Cambodia. The nation’s authorities have been dedicated to fighting crypto-powered drug sales, with President Moon Jae-in describing it as a “war.” Criminals, typically young individuals, have been smuggling drugs into the country and utilizing platforms like Telegram and Bitcoin to organize drug deliveries. South Korean customs officials also exposed undeclared “kimchi premium” transactions in 2021, leading to profits of approximately $4.38 million. Moreover, they apprehended seven individuals involved in an illegal gambling operation that used USDT for money laundering purposes. The Customs Service remains committed to eliminating these illicit activities and recognizing the contributions of its dedicated officers.