Chainalysis joins South Korean police in crypto crime fight

The blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis has formalized a partnership with South Korea's National Police Agency (KNPA) to significantly enhance the country's investigative capabilities against cryptocurrency-enabled crime. The memorandum of understanding, signed in April 2026 and announced publicly on June 9, provides Korean law enforcement with structured training, professional certification, and practical tools for tracing illicit crypto funds.

The collaboration is designed to address a wide spectrum of illicit activity, from fraud and money laundering to cross-border theft. While North Korea-linked cyberattacks are a major national security focus, officials emphasized the partnership's broader goal of building institutional capability. Chainalysis Korea country director Ryan Kwon stated that while North Korean-driven attacks are a priority, the partnership is not designed around a single threat.

Under the agreement, designated KNPA personnel will receive personalized training content and access to certification programs through Chainalysis Academy, all delivered in Korean. The training aims to equip investigators with the skills to trace funds across wallets, exchanges, and...