Fugitive Arrested in Seoul for Littering: Evader Caught After Five Years of On-the-Run for Discarding Cigarette on the Ground
In an unexpected turn of events, a man in his sixties was arrested in Seoul for littering a cigarette butt near a train station. The seemingly minor infraction led to a series of revelations, as the individual was subsequently found to be a fugitive wanted since 2020 for a massive cryptocurrency fraud worth 17.7 billion won (approximately 13 million dollars).
The financial crime committed by this American man, identified as James Zhong, is one of the largest bitcoin thefts in history. The fraud, which occurred between 2018 and 2019, involved defrauding over 1,300 people, similar to the South Korean man's cryptocurrency fraud.
However, it is important to note that the bitcoin theft committed by James Zhong was not specified to have a direct connection with the South Korean man's cryptocurrency fraud.
Until his arrest, James Zhong had managed to evade capture by keeping a low profile. His financial crime, which involved a large number of victims, had raised suspicions, and authorities conducted a more thorough check due to his suspicious behavior.
Interestingly, James Zhong was first discovered due to a routine home burglary in 2012, but the stolen bitcoins were not recovered. Despite this, he had managed to stay under the radar for a long time.
In addition to the cryptocurrency fraud charges, James Zhong was also charged with assault. The cigarette littering offense can carry a fine of up to one million won in South Korea.
As the investigation continues, more details about James Zhong's activities and the extent of his financial crime are expected to come to light. For now, his arrest marks a significant step in bringing justice to the victims of this massive bitcoin theft.
