Reports from local media indicate that a South Korean man who attacked the CEO of the collapsed crypto firm, Haru Invest, may be facing up to ten years in prison.
Prosecutors in Seoul have requested a 10-year prison sentence for a man in his 50s known only as Kang, who stabbed Haru Invest CEO Lee Hyung-soo during a court hearing last year.
Haru Invest halted withdrawals in 2023 due to partner issues and later executives were arrested in 2024 for allegedly stealing $828 million in customer funds.
Kang’s defense argued that he did not intend to kill, as he did not target a fatal area and acted out of extreme emotional distress after losing 100 BTC (worth $8.3 million) due to the collapse of Haru Invest.
His lawyers are seeking a reduced charge of aggravated assault instead of attempted murder, citing his severe financial and psychological difficulties.
Prior to the hearing, the Haru Invest Victims’ Association held a press conference calling for Kang’s release, claiming that fraud victims like him were being unfairly treated while executives accused of embezzling millions of dollars were out on bail.
Kang is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on April 4.
