Suspect Identified Through Forensic Evidence Coupang’s internal investigation linked the leak to a former employee, whose laptop was recovered and examined by police [1][2]. The company says the suspect confessed to using stolen security keys to access basic information from roughly 34 million accounts [1]. Police corroborated the forensic findings, confirming the device belongs to the alleged insider [2].

Data Scope Limited to Thousands of Accounts Coupang recovered personal data affecting about 3,000 customers, all of which was later deleted and never transmitted to external parties [1][2]. The firm emphasized that no third‑party sharing occurred and that the breach’s impact remained confined to this small subset [1]. Authorities will verify the exact extent after completing their own forensic review [1].

Coupang Submitted Laptop but Withheld Analysis Seoul police allege Coupang handed over the suspect’s laptop but failed to disclose its internal analysis during questioning [1]. Police chief Park Jeong‑bo described the omission as “unusual” and warned of possible accountability if manipulation is uncovered [1]. The withheld analysis is now a focal point of the ongoing probe [1].

Police Scrutinize Coupang’s Investigation Methods Investigators are reviewing how Coupang recovered the laptop, including the use of divers and direct contact with the suspect without police coordination [2]. The review also examines whether any data tampering occurred during the laptop’s submission [2]. Findings could determine legal repercussions for the e‑commerce giant [2].