Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean National Police Agency on Wednesday to strengthen South Korea's virtual asset crime investigation capabilities. The agreement provides Korean investigators with access to personalized training content, professional certification programs, and hands-on practical instruction. The partnership follows the launch of South Korea's Money Laundering Eradication Task Force weeks ago, a multi-agency unit created to target crypto-based money laundering under the Economic Crime Investigation Division.
Chainalysis Provides Training and Certification Programs
The agreement gives South Korean investigators access to training resources developed by Chainalysis. According to Chainalysis country director Ryan Kwon, the partnership is designed to build institutional capability rather than target a single adversary. Kwon stated that Korean investigators need global visibility into how illicit funds move across blockchains to handle cases effectively, and the training aims to provide that cross-border reach.
North Korea-Linked Crypto Theft Reaches $2 Billion
Data shows that in 2025, hackers tied to North Korea were responsible for $2 billion in crypto losses, a 51% jump from the year before, according to research from CrowdStrike. By April of this year, theft attributed to North Korea had already reached close to $580 million, with attacks on Kelp DAO and the Drift Protocol among the largest incidents.
Seoul Police Dismantle International Hacking Ring
Chainalysis has worked alongside South Korean law enforcement before. In September last year, police in Seoul dismantled an international hacking ring that had stolen roughly $30 million. The investigation started in South Korea and eventually led authorities to Thailand, with Chainalysis playing a supporting role throughout. The newly signed agreement builds on that existing relationship.
FAQ
What did Chainalysis and the Korean National Police Agency agree to on Wednesday?
Chainalysis signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean National Police Agency to provide South Korean investigators with personalized training content, professional certification programs, and hands-on practical instruction for virtual asset crime investigations.
How much crypto did North Korea-linked hackers steal in 2025?
According to CrowdStrike research, hackers tied to North Korea were responsible for $2 billion in crypto losses in 2025, representing a 51% increase from the previous year. By April of this year, theft attributed to North Korea had reached close to $580 million.
