South Korea Supreme Court Rules Bitcoin Held on Exchanges Can Be Seized
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 09 2026- Legal Clarity: The South Korean Supreme Court has ruled for the first time that Bitcoin held on exchanges can be seized under the Criminal Procedure Act, affirming the economic value of virtual assets in criminal investigations and enhancing regulatory oversight of digital assets.
- Case Background: This ruling stems from a money laundering case involving 55.6 Bitcoins, where the court rejected the defendant's claim that digital assets could not be seized, emphasizing that electronic information also possesses independent economic value, thus broadening the legal applicability.
- Enforcement Impact: The decision provides clearer legal authority for prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to seize digital assets stored on domestic exchanges in criminal cases, thereby strengthening efforts to combat cryptocurrency-related crimes.
- Future Implications: Legal observers believe this ruling will have profound implications for future cryptocurrency investigations and legislative discussions, promoting the refinement of legal frameworks and facilitating the compliant development of crypto assets.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
