South Korea suspects four Uzbek nationals of supporting terrorist group

South Korean police have detained one Uzbek national and opened an investigation into three others over suspected support for Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, a group operating in Syria, Yonhap reported.

Investigators allege that the main suspect transferred cryptocurrency worth 6.3 million won, about US$4,600, to the organization. Police also suspect that he used cryptocurrency received from KTJ to purchase 11 used cars and two excavators worth a combined 170 million won. The equipment was later sent to Syria.

The main suspect, a man in his 30s, had been wanted through Interpol and was arrested in April. He remains in custody and is appearing before a court. Police say three other Uzbek nationals helped him search for and purchase the vehicles. They are being investigated without detention.

Police also established that the main suspect maintained contact with his younger brother, who investigators say belongs to KTJ. Authorities have not established that the main suspect himself was an official member of the organization.