Crypto Loss Turns Violent: Man Accused of Poisoning Partner’s Coffee

A South Korean business partnership over Bitcoin investments turned dangerously sour when a secret $810,000 crypto investment failed.

The fallout allegedly led one partner to attempt murder, lacing an iced latte with a lethal pesticide.

The victim survived after being placed in a medically induced coma, but the incident sheds light on the risks when large sums of crypto are involved without transparency.

Prosecutors have charged the 39-year-old accused with attempted murder and violating pesticide laws, while the trial is scheduled for March 10 in Seoul.

Key Takeaways

• A failed secret crypto investment reportedly triggered a violent dispute between business partners.

• The accused allegedly used illegal pesticide to attempt murder, illustrating extreme consequences of financial stress.

• The case underscores the importance of security, transparency, and legal oversight in high-stakes crypto ventures.

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What Happened With the Crypto Investment?

The two business partners began working together in 2022, running Bitcoin investment programs and launching a company.

Their relationship reportedly worsened after one partner secretly invested $810,000 of company funds into a high-risk crypto venture that failed.

Despite ongoing business operations, tension built as the losing partner resented rebukes over the secret investment.

Prosecutors say this animosity motivated a plan to poison his partner and gain sole control of company funds.

Failed Investment Fallout

• Secret $810,000 crypto purchase caused conflict.

• Business operations continued but trust eroded.

• Resentment led to criminal plotting.

The case demonstrates how financial secrecy and large crypto positions can escalate personal and professional disputes.

In high-stakes crypto ventures, miscommunication or deception can spiral into real-world dangers.

Read Also: Why Most People Lose Money in Crypto: Fear, Greed, and Bad Timing

The Poisoning Incident

According to South Korean authorities, the accused purchased methomyl, a banned pesticide, from a Chinese vendor for around $200.

Methomyl is highly toxic, colorless, and odorless, capable of causing severe symptoms or death even in small doses.

South Korea has prohibited domestic use of the chemical since 2012 and fully banned distribution in 2015.

How the Attempt Happened

• October 28: Accused buys pesticide online from China.

• November 7: Pesticide arrives in Seoul via airport cargo.

• Two weeks later: He allegedly laces an iced latte at a Seoul cafe.

The business partner collapsed after drinking the beverage and was rushed to a hospital. He was placed in a medically induced coma for three days, emerging with partial recovery but ongoing medical needs.

Victim Impact

• Personal and family life disrupted.

• Medical treatment required post-coma.

• Trauma highlights extreme risks tied to crypto-related disputes.

Read Also: Why Does the Retail Sector Often Suffer Losses in Crypto?

Legal Charges and Implications

The accused faces attempted murder and violations of the Pesticide Control Act. The trial is scheduled for March 10 at a Seoul Eastern District Court branch.

Authorities noted that the act of smuggling methomyl into South Korea shows premeditation, adding gravity to the case.

Broader Context

• January 2026 saw a rise in crypto-related crimes in South Korea.

• Authorities are increasingly monitoring crypto ventures for potential fraud, laundering, and criminal activity.

• The case highlights risks when large crypto investments are mismanaged or handled without transparency.

For business owners, the incident is a stark reminder of the importance of safeguards, clear governance, and legal compliance when investing in volatile markets like cryptocurrency.

Read Also: SBI Crypto Loses $21M in Massive Hack

Conclusion

The Seoul coffee poisoning case underscores how failed crypto investments can have dangerous real-world consequences.

Financial disputes in high-risk ventures may escalate when secrecy, mistrust, or large sums are involved.

Crypto traders and business partners must prioritize transparency, risk management, and legal safeguards to prevent personal and financial disasters.

Platforms like Bitrue make trading safer and easier by offering secure wallets, regulatory compliance, and robust security infrastructure.

Using trusted exchanges reduces the risk of disputes and ensures crypto assets are protected, even in high-stakes investment environments.

Keeping digital assets secure and investing responsibly are essential to avoiding situations that could spiral out of control.

FAQ

What led to the poisoning incident in Seoul?

A failed $810,000 secret crypto investment reportedly triggered conflict between business partners, leading to an attempted murder using toxic pesticide.

How was the pesticide obtained?

The accused purchased methomyl illegally from a vendor in China and smuggled it into South Korea.

What charges does the accused face?

He faces attempted murder and violations of South Korea’s Pesticide Control Act, with trial set for March 10.

Did the victim survive the poisoning?

Yes, the victim was placed in a medically induced coma for three days and has partially recovered but requires ongoing medical treatment.

What does this case highlight for crypto investors?

It underscores the importance of transparency, legal safeguards, and risk management in high-stakes crypto investments to prevent disputes from escalating.

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