South Korean Police Uncover Crypto-Paid Vandalism Network on Telegram

South Korean police have been investigating a string of vandalism attacks on residential properties, linked to an organized 'private revenge' network operating on Telegram.

The cases follow a consistent pattern: suspects are contracted anonymously via Telegram, paid in cryptocurrency, and instructed to vandalize targets' homes with waste, graffiti, and defamatory leaflets.

In one recent incident in Hwaseong, a suspect was paid 800,000 won (~$556) in cryptocurrency to vandalize an apartment door. Similar attacks occurred in Gunpo and Pyeongtaek, where suspects were hired for around $345 and $550 respectively.

The police are examining whether the cases are connected and are actively pursuing the clients who placed the orders, which is complicated due to Telegram's ephemeral channels and pseudonymous accounts.