In April 2026, Chainalysis signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) to deepen cooperation on virtual asset crime investigations. The agreement establishes a structured framework for training, certification, and the joint development of practical investigative programs, reinforcing Chainalysis’s long-term commitment to building investigative capability within Korean law enforcement.
Why this matters
South Korea sits at the intersection of two realities. It is one of the world’s most dynamic digital asset markets, with high levels of adoption across retail and institutional participants. It is also on the front line of state-sponsored cyber threats: North Korean-linked hacking groups were responsible for more than $2 billion in cryptocurrency theft last year and $5.5 billion over the past five years, using increasingly sophisticated techniques that span multiple blockchains, jurisdictions, and laundering layers.
These are inherently global threats. DPRK stolen funds are laundered through exchanges, bridges, and mixing services across dozens of countries before they can be cashed out. KNPA is one of the world’s most experienced law enforcement agencies when it comes to investigating crypto-enabled crime, and has been at the forefront of tackling DPRK-linked threats.
To investigate these cases effectively, Korean investigators need global visibility into illicit fund flows. Chainalysis provides that foundation – an AI-enhanced data platform that investigators around the world have used to help trace illicit funds and support seizures totaling more than $34 billion in high-profile cases. Our data has also been ruled reliable and admissible in court, a standard that is critical when investigations lead to prosecution.
This MoU matters because it combines KNPA’s investigative leadership with our global intelligence and evidentiary standard, helping Korean authorities move faster from detection to disruption and prosecution.
What the MoU covers
The agreement focuses on three areas of cooperation:
- Training platform access: KNPA-designated personnel will gain access to localized Korean training content on Chainalysis Academy, supporting the systematic development of virtual asset investigation capabilities across the agency and its affiliated organizations.
- Professional certification: KNPA investigators will have opportunities to participate in the Chainalysis Digital Asset Program (CDAP) — a step-by-step global certification framework that builds competency from foundational through to expert level.
- Practical training development: Both parties will share information on emerging technologies and crime typologies and collaborate on scenario-based, practice-oriented training programs that reflect real-world investigative challenges.
A deepening commitment to South Korea
The KNPA MoU is part of Chainalysis’ broader investment in South Korea. At its core, this agreement is about empowering Korean institutions to deepen their own expertise and capabilities — equipping investigators with the training, certification, and tools to operate with greater speed and confidence against increasingly sophisticated adversaries.
Ryan Kwon, Regional Director, South Korea at Chainalysis, said: “South Korea is one of the most important markets in the world for digital asset innovation and enforcement. Our MoU with KNPA represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening virtual asset investigative capabilities, and we are proud to support KNPA in its efforts to prevent and combat crime in Korea. It reflects our commitment to supporting Korean law enforcement with the data, tools, and training they need to stay ahead of evolving threats. We look forward to building on this cooperation in the years ahead.”
South Korea’s approach to digital asset regulation and enforcement is closely watched around the world. This agreement is one part of Chainalysis’ ongoing work to support law enforcement agencies globally with the intelligence and capability-building programs they need to combat crypto-enabled crime.
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