South Korean Prosecutors Raid Terra Co-Founder Daniel Shin's Home: Report

The authorities are continuing their investigation into fraud allegations at the center of the Terra collapse.

AccessTimeIconJul 22, 2022 at 6:03 a.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 6:54 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

The home of Terraform Lab’s co-founder, Daniel Shin, in Seoul was raided by South Korean prosecutors on Wednesday, according to a local media report.

  • The raid was conducted as part of a broader investigation over allegations that fraud caused the collapse of the terraUSD (UST) algorithmic stablecoin, the report said.
  • In May, terraUSD fell dramatically off its U.S. dollar peg, causing an industry-wide fallout that saw several hedge funds and exchanges fall victim to overexposure. In the same month, some South Korea-based una (LUNA) token investors filed a complaint against Terraform Labs and co-founder Do Kwon alleging fraud and violations of local securities laws.
  • Shin is the latest stakeholder to be raided by Korean authorities. Earlier this week, major South Korean crypto exchanges, including Bithumb and Upbit, were raided by authorities.
  • In June, prosecutors implemented a travel ban on dozens of people connected to Terraform Labs, including former staff members.
  • Concurrently, prosecutors are also investigating allegations of tax evasion by Terraform Labs founder Do Kwon.
  • Both Shin and Kwon have addresses in Singapore, though it's unclear if they reside there full time.

UPDATE (22 July, 06:12 UTC): Adds background information in second bullet.

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.