South Korean Police Refer 15 in Telegram Drug Ring and Crypto Laundering Probe

BitcoinWorld South Korean Police Refer 15 in Telegram Drug Ring and Crypto Laundering Probe South Korean police have referred 15 individuals to prosecutors without detention, charging them with involvement in drug trafficking and laundering criminal proceeds.

The case emerged from an investigation into an unregistered virtual-asset brokerage, according to a Yonhap report on Aug. 10.

The Daegu Seongseo Police Station said its investigation uncovered a structured operation where members received drug payments via Telegram, converted the funds into Bitcoin, and transferred them to higher-level operators.

Couriers then delivered drugs to buyers using dead-drop methods, a common tactic to avoid direct contact.