Korea Customs Service Commissioner: "Seoul Customs considering establishing a Virtual Asset Analysis Division"

Korea Customs Service Commissioner Lee Myung-gu said he is considering establishing a 'Virtual Asset Analysis Division (課)' within Seoul Customs to respond to the rapidly increasing crimes of illegal remittance using virtual assets.

On the 21st, the commissioner said at a parliamentary audit by the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee, "Previously, methods that directly remitted foreign currency were predominant, but recently methods of illegal remittance using virtual assets have been spreading," and added, "Accordingly, we will establish a dedicated organization and advance our analytical capabilities."

He also addressed criticism that 'roundabout exports'—exporting foreign-made products disguised as domestic to evade overseas customs policies such as those of the United States—are increasing, saying, "There were not enough personnel deployed in this area," and explaining, "We will pursue personnel reallocation and, if necessary, reinforcement, and strengthen the response system in consultation with relevant ministries."

The commissioner also responded to questions that methods of smuggling via express cargo have become more sophisticated. He said, "Cases are increasing where the address listed on customs declarations differs from the actual delivery address, or the address is changed during delivery," and added, "To block such illegal activities, we plan to develop an address standardization module using artificial intelligence (AI) by next year."

Also regarding the recent increase in drug smuggling and criminal entries originating from Cambodia, he said, "We have cooperative systems in place with Thailand, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, but there is not yet a bilateral cooperation system with Cambodia," and added, "We will promptly establish a cooperation system between the two countries."