Prosecutors Raid Three Bithumb ‘Affiliates’ as Shareholder Scrutiny Intensifies

Bithumb Crypto Exchange
Ad Disclosure
Ad Disclosure

We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More
Last updated:
Ad Disclosure
Ad Disclosure

We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More
Author
Tim Alper
Author Categories
About Author

Tim Alper is a British journalist and features writer who has worked at Cryptonews.com since 2018. He has written for media outlets such as the BBC, the Guardian, and Chosun Ilbo. He has also worked...

Last updated:
Why Trust Cryptonews
Cryptonews has covered the cryptocurrency industry topics since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts have extensive experience in market analysis and blockchain technologies. We strive to maintain high editorial standards, focusing on factual accuracy and balanced reporting across all areas - from cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects to industry events, products, and technological developments. Our ongoing presence in the industry reflects our commitment to delivering relevant information in the evolving world of digital assets. Read more about Cryptonews
Ad DisclosureWe believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. Read more
Source: Dennizn/Adobe

A number of South Korean firms related to the crypto exchange Bithumb – including the firm that owns a controlling share of its stock – have been raided by the prosecution service on embezzlement charges.

Per MBC, officers searched the offices of Vidente, a publicly listed video equipment-making company that owns a majority 34% tranche of Bithumb’s shares. They also raided INBIOGEN, a footwear and accessories producer, and Bucket STUDIO, a firm that produces entertainment-related content.

The media outlet added that executives from the firms are being investigated on suspicion of embezzling company funds.

While none of these companies appears to have a link with the crypto sector, they are believed to be owned by Kang Jong-hoon, a man widely believed to be the owner and “secret” chairman” of Bithumb.

Kang has reportedly been attempting to sell Bithumb for over a year after acquiring the exchange – and the other three companies – back in 2020. Some firms have also enquired about the possibility of buying Vidente, a move that would grant them control over Bithumb.

Bithumb trading volumes. (Source: CoinGecko)

A leading South Korean media outlet earlier this month published a comprehensive exposé of Kang earlier this month, alleging that he had appointed the older sister of his celebrity girlfriend, the actress Park Min-young, as an INBIOGEN director. Park’s sister has recently stepped down from her role at INBIOGEN, but prosecutors appear to believe that financial wrongdoings may be afoot at the companies.

Officers removed “accounting-related” documents and digital data from the three firms.

Prosecutors stated that the crypto exchange Bithumb was currently not part of their investigations.
 

Source: CoinMarketCap

Who Is Bithumb’s Biggest Shareholder?

Kang is a somewhat mysterious figure in the South Korean crypto industry – and does not have a background in IT.

His business card reportedly refers to him as the Chairman of Vidente, INBIOGEN, Bucket STUDIO, and the Bithumb affiliate Bithumb Live. The exposé’s authors provided testimony from unnamed sources who claimed Kang has links to the underworld – as well as a fleet of luxury cars, all of which are registered in the names of friends or family members.

Park’s representatives have confirmed that she was romantically involved with Kang but have claimed she has since broken off the relationship.

More Articles

Blockchain News
Japan’s SBI Posts Record Crypto Profits; Aims for Nation’s First USDC Listing
Tim Alper
Tim Alper
2025-02-09 23:30:00
Price Analysis
Price Breakthrough Forecast: The Next XRP Rally Could Be Here Soon
Arslan Butt
Arslan Butt
2025-02-09 14:21:48
Crypto News in numbers
editors
Authors List + 66 More
2M+
Active Monthly Users Around the World
250+
Guides and Reviews Articles
8
Years on the Market
70
International Team Authors