Seoul Police Bust Fake Flare Network XRP Scam, Recover 3.4 Million Coins

How the Fake Flare Network XRP Staking Scam Tricked 71 Investors 

South Korean authorities have dismantled an alleged cryptocurrency investment scam that defrauded investors of 3.4 million XRP worth 12.3 billion won (approximately US$8.55 million) by posing as the Flare Network and promising high-yield XRP staking rewards.

According to local media outlet Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) arrested three suspects and secured an Interpol Red Notice request for a fourth suspect believed to have fled overseas. 

More notably, the case represents one of South Korea's most significant recent crackdowns on cryptocurrency investment fraud.

Investigators said the group launched a fraudulent website, Fxrpntwork.com, in October 2025, carefully mimicking the legitimate Flare Network to deceive investors. The platform claimed users could stake XRP while enjoying guaranteed principal protection and fixed monthly returns of 1.5% to 1.8%, promises widely regarded as a major warning sign in legitimate investment markets.

To attract victims, the suspects promoted the fake platform through blog posts, online articles, and YouTube videos, creating the appearance of a credible investment opportunity. 

The campaign persuaded 71 investors to transfer their XRP from domestic exchanges to wallets controlled by the fraudsters via an overseas exchange. Shortly after receiving the funds, the operators shut down the website and disappeared.

Police Freeze Stolen XRP in Days as Crypto Scam Investigation Expands 

What transpired? Well, police launched an investigation after identifying a spike in crypto-related fraud reports. By tracing blockchain transactions, investigators froze wallets linked to the suspects within three days of the initial complaint, helping prevent additional losses and recover a portion of the stolen assets.

The alleged ringleader was arrested upon returning to South Korea, while two accomplices were captured at separate hideouts after attempting to evade authorities. 

One suspect has already been referred to prosecutors, and international law enforcement agencies are now working to locate the remaining fugitive.

The scam surfaced as XRP trading activity continues to surge in South Korea. Even amid volatility in traditional financial markets, XRP has become one of the country's most heavily traded cryptocurrencies, recently posting nearly 4 times Bitcoin's trading volume on major Korean exchanges. 

As a result, this growing retail interest has also made XRP an increasingly attractive target for fraudsters seeking to exploit investor optimism.

Authorities reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance on cryptocurrency fraud, urging investors to verify the legitimacy of staking platforms, conduct independent research, and treat any investment promising guaranteed or risk-free returns with extreme caution. 

As digital asset adoption accelerates, regulators warn that scams are becoming more sophisticated, making investor vigilance more important than ever.