South Korea Enforces Severe Penalties for Crypto Scams, Inspired by Terraform’s Do Kwon

• South Korea’s financial regulatory authority has announced strict penalties, including life sentences for crypto scams exceeding 5 billion Won (over $4 million).
• This crackdown aligns with the new Virtual Asset Users Protection Act, enacted in July 2024, to curb crypto-related crimes.
• Lawmakers cite notorious cases like Terra’s collapse and FTX’s downfall as catalysts for this comprehensive legislation.

Discover how South Korea’s stringent new laws aim to combat crypto scams, protect investors, and stabilize the digital asset market.

New Regulations under the Virtual Asset Users Protection Act

The Virtual Asset Users Protection Act, introduced in July 2024, aims to provide a robust legal framework to prevent crypto scams in South Korea. One of the key features includes imposing life sentences for individuals swindling over 5 billion Won ($4 million). The law also prescribes hefty fines, ranging from three to five times the illicit profits, alongside fixed-term imprisonment for lesser offenses.

Safeguarding Investors and Enhancing Oversight

The enactment of the new act signifies South Korea’s determination to regulate the volatile crypto market effectively. According to Lee Bok-hyun, head of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), the regulatory body is keen to enforce these provisions rigorously. The act requires Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to maintain at least 80% of their clients’ assets in cold storage, which dramatically reduces the risk of cyber breaches. VASPs are also mandated to have a reserve fund to secure customer assets against unforeseen cybersecurity threats.

Noteworthy Cases Prompting Legislative Action

The latest regulatory measures are partially inspired by high-profile failures in the crypto space, such as the collapse of Terraform Labs and its associated stablecoins, TerraUSD and Luna, in May 2022. Spearheaded by Do Kwon, this event eradicated $40 billion in shareholder value and initiated the prolonged “crypto winter,” characterized by plummeting asset prices and investor pessimism.

Global Implications and Enforcement Challenges

The international ramifications of these regulations are profound. South Korea’s stringent measures show the global crypto community a possible blueprint for governance. However, the enforcement presents unique challenges, exemplified by the aggressive evasion tactics of some criminals. For instance, one defrauder went so far as to undergo multiple plastic surgeries and use wigs to avoid capture, illustrating the lengths to which scammers will go. Terraform’s Do Kwon himself eluded authorities across several countries before being apprehended.

Conclusion

South Korea’s new crypto regulations mark a significant turning point in the global effort to bring legitimacy and security to the digital asset market. By instituting rigorous oversight and severe penalties, the nation hopes to deter illicit activities and safeguard investors. While challenges remain in the practical application of these laws, South Korea sets a precedent that could inspire similar actions worldwide.