Attorney Eun Young Choi, known for leading cryptocurrency crime investigations on North Korea, China, and other countries at the U.S. Department of Justice, has been promoted to the position of Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division (NSD), responsible for overseeing the Justice Department’s counterterrorism efforts.
Choi, who previously headed the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), has recently transitioned to the NSD, a department within the Justice Department, as announced on July 26. On the previous day, Choi revealed on her social media that she has assumed the role of Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the NSD in an acting capacity while awaiting formal approval.
The National Security Division, established in 2006, serves as the consolidation of the Justice Department’s national security-related functions, including intelligence policy, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and export control. It is led by Deputy Attorney General Matthew Olson.
Amidst the rise in cyber threats, such as technology theft, infrastructure hacking, and online information warfare, from adversaries like China and North Korea, the Justice Department recently established a new National Cyber Security Division under the National Security Division to combat international hacking crimes.
The NCET was established in February 2022 by the Justice Department to investigate crimes involving cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, with Choi appointed as its first director. In January, the NCET collaborated with French authorities to seize Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange Bitzlato, which was used for illegal transactions, including drug deals on the internet.
Choi’s career path includes graduation from Harvard University and Harvard Law School. Before her current role, she served as a Cybercrime Coordinator & Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, gaining valuable experience in cryptocurrency investigations.
BY BRIAN CHOI [choi.inseong@koreadaily.com]
