Deep Tide TechFlow message. On July 27, according to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Customs Service disclosed that in the first half of 2026 it uncovered 792 cases of illegal foreign exchange transactions, involving an amount as high as 7.2 trillion won (about $4.92 billion). The main violations include illegally transferring foreign currency abroad and concealing overseas assets. Of note, some cases involve receiving export proceeds by using cryptocurrencies instead of legal tender such as the USD, resulting in export proceeds in foreign exchange not being repatriated to South Korea in accordance with regulations. Lee Jong-wook, head of the Korea Customs Service, said it will further strengthen cooperation with relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance and continue to severely crack down on illegal foreign exchange transfer activities in order to maintain stability in the foreign exchange market.