On December 19, the Hyundai Group offices in the Jongno district and Hyundai Motor Group offices in the Yangjae-dong district of Seoul received emails threatening attacks. The sender demanded a transfer of 13 BTC and warned of possible building explosions. The message was received before noon through the emergency channel 112, describing that the perpetrator allegedly planned an initial explosion in one building followed by moving to another with an additional device. Law enforcement responded promptly: special units were dispatched to the sites and security checks began. The investigation is ongoing as police attempt to identify the source of the emails and possible connections to other similar incidents.
Summary of the Incident
According to available information, on December 19, threat emails were received targeting two Hyundai offices in Seoul: Hyundai Group (Jongno) and Hyundai Motor Group (Yangjae-dong). The sender demanded a transfer of 13 BTC and outlined a proposed sequence of attacks between the buildings. The message was logged via emergency channel 112 before noon, after which urgent security checks commenced. Currently, police are investigating to determine the sender's source and motive.
Law Enforcement Response
Upon receiving the message, law enforcement immediately dispatched special units to the locations and conducted thorough building inspections involving bomb squads and special forces. No suspicious items or explosive devices were found during the checks; however, employees and visitors were temporarily evacuated, and access to the buildings was restricted until all safety procedures were completed. Police actions followed established protocols for responding to such threats.
Series of Similar Threats Against Major Companies
This case is part of a series of similar threats directed at major South Korean companies. In recent days, threats were received by Samsung, KT, Kakao, and Naver: an online platform posted threats targeting Samsung Electronics headquarters and its leadership; earlier on December 17, KT received a warning via an online registration form about an alleged homemade explosive device at its Bundang office; threats were also directed at Kakao offices on Jeju Island and in Pangyo. Law enforcement is considering the possibility of serial extortion using Bitcoin as leverage.
Bitcoin Demand and Extortion Theory
In the email to Hyundai offices, the perpetrator demanded a transfer of 13 BTC under the threat of building explosions; this exact amount was specified in the message. Police view the incident within the context of possible extortion schemes where Bitcoin is used as a pressure tool and are trying to determine whether the recent messages received by various companies are connected.
Investigation Progress and What to Expect
The investigation continues as authorities work to identify the source of the emails, trace technical sending footprints, and clarify the motives of the perpetrators. Access restrictions to the inspected buildings remain in place until all checks are completed, and official updates will be provided by the police and affected companies. It is recommended to rely only on official statements and avoid spreading unconfirmed information.
Why This Matters
For miners in Russia, this story does not directly affect equipment operation but highlights that modern threats may use cryptocurrency as an extortion demand. The prompt police response and absence of discovered devices demonstrate that authorities follow protocol, yet reputational and organizational risks for companies remain. For those concerned about business and equipment security, monitoring news about raids and incidents—such as the detection of mining farms in Kemerovo region—can provide practical insight into law enforcement actions.
Recommended Actions
Brief and practical steps for miners with 1–1000 devices include preparing for potential emergencies and minimizing risks quickly and simply. Below is a list of specific actions that can be done without significant expense:
- Check physical security: restrict access to premises, secure equipment, and document device locations.
- Create and verify backups of keys and important configurations to enable quick recovery if needed.
- Set up remote monitoring and alerts for equipment failures or power outages to respond promptly.
- Prepare an evacuation or short-term shutdown plan: where to store equipment, how to notify staff or neighbors.
- Do not engage with extortionists; immediately contact local law enforcement if threats occur. Examples of police actions can be found in reports on underground mining farm shutdowns.
What to Monitor Next
Follow official statements from police and companies publishing updates on inspections and expert findings; avoid spreading unverified rumors. New official information will provide clearer understanding of the messages’ origins and potential business impacts.
