Bithumb receives Seoul police chief’s commendation for helping track criminal funds

[Financial News] As voice phishing proceeds move to virtual asset exchanges to evade freezes on bank accounts, the role of exchange staff on the ground is growing. Police recently returned approximately 26.3 billion won in victim funds frozen at the country’s five largest exchanges to victims. Employees of Bithumb’s Investor Protection Office were recognized for their cooperation in the process and received a commendation from the Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. According to the virtual asset industry on the 27th, employees of Bithumb’s Investor Protection Office received the commendation in recognition of their active cooperation with investigations into concealed criminal funds, on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Police Day.
The recipient was Oh Dae-seok, head of the Market Surveillance Team. Working with investigative authorities, Oh contacted account holders and victims and assisted with the necessary procedures to return unreimbursed victim assets remaining in accounts related to financial incidents. In particular, regardless of whether an account had been frozen, he communicated with police about remaining assets in accounts with a history of links to incidents and helped ensure they could be returned to victims.
Bithumb actively cooperates with investigations into concealed criminal funds and works to prevent financial fraud, including voice phishing, and provide relief to victims. When a victimization occurs, it checks the movement of the victim’s assets and the details of applications for relief. It also works with relevant agencies, including police and financial companies, to help preserve and return the assets.
Last September, Bithumb employees received the KB Kookmin Guardian Award and a commendation from the Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency in recognition of their contribution to helping voice phishing victims recover their assets and preventing such crimes.
Bithumb continues to improve its customer service and user protection systems. It became the first virtual asset exchange in Korea to introduce a speech-to-text (STT)-based customer support service, improving the accuracy and speed of consultations. Phone and chat support operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while maintaining a high response rate. At Bithumb Lounge Gangnam Branch, customers who need help can also receive in-person consultations.
Bithumb plans to further strengthen coordination with financial and investigative authorities and continue actively cooperating with investigations into concealed criminal funds. It also plans to keep enhancing its response systems to prevent financial fraud and protect users’ assets.
A Bithumb representative said, “Since anyone can fall victim to voice phishing, prevention in advance and a swift response are more important than anything else. If you are victimized, we hope you will report it promptly to the police and financial institutions, and contact Bithumb’s customer service center for guidance on the relief process.”
[email protected] Han Young-jun Reporter