South Korea's crypto scene is embroiled in a high-profile scandal, with two police officers facing trial for allegedly taking bribes in an art-themed altcoin scam.

The Case of the Crooked Cops and the Crypto Conman

The accused officers, identified only as "A" (a 59-year-old superintendent) and "B" (a 57-year-old lieutenant), stand trial in the Gwangju District Court. Prosecutors allege they were bribed by a shady character named Seong, acting as a legal middleman for a suspected crypto fraudster, Tak.

Tak, the alleged mastermind, is accused of swindling victims out of over $2 million through a bogus Ethereum (ETH) and NFT project. To avoid prosecution, Tak allegedly employed Seong to grease the wheels of justice.

A Sticky Situation: Cash bribes and Coat Pockets

Prosecutors claim Seong paid Officer A over $7,300 in bribes across two restaurant meetings in February. The goal? To secure a promotion for Officer B. Seong reportedly even admitted stuffing cash into the officers' coat pockets hanging at the restaurants!

A Web of Corruption: More Than Just Cops

The plot thickens: Seong isn't the only one implicated. Tak reportedly confessed to bribing prosecutors and other police officers, with a Mokpo prosecutor already jailed for accepting a bribe. Prosecutors have indicted a total of 18 people, including current and former law enforcement officials and another alleged broker.

Officer A's Defense Cries Foul

Officer A's defense team disputes the bribery claims, questioning why Seong would request a promotion in February, a month after such decisions are typically finalized. They also cast doubt on Seong's memory regarding the alleged bribe exchanges.

The Plot Unravels: A Web of Lies and Lost Memories

Seong's own testimony seems to paint a picture of desperation. He claims to have been "in such a hurry" that he can't recall details about the alleged bribes. This convenient memory lapse raises further questions about his involvement.

The trial continues on June 11th, with more officers expected to face justice in the coming weeks. This case serves as a stark reminder of the corrupting influence that cryptocurrency scams can have, even reaching into the heart of law enforcement.