Prosecutors Arrest and Indict Supplier for Providing Communication Equipment to Mask Fraud Organization

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] A telecommunications equipment provider who supplied devices that manipulate caller ID to a mask voice phishing scam organization has been brought to trial.

The Criminal Division 4 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Shin Hyung-sik) announced on the 6th that Mr. A (61), who provided 'Sim Box' devices to the voice phishing organization, has been indicted on charges of violating the Telecommunications Business Act and aiding fraud.

A Sim Box is a device that can simultaneously hold multiple SIM chips. When connected overseas and used to make calls, the caller ID is manipulated to appear as a domestic number.

It was revealed that Mr. A provided this Sim Box to a voice phishing scam organization based overseas in January, aiding them in committing fraud amounting to approximately 674.3 million KRW.

The scam organization posted online that they would sell masks in bulk and deceived victims by calling them through the Sim Box, thereby stealing money.

Additionally, Mr. A is accused of illegally manipulating the sender's phone number and facilitating communications by using a Sim Box equipped with 54 'ghost SIM chips' created under other people's names from September 2018 to last March.

The prosecution took Mr. A into custody on the 20th of last month and, after further investigation of additional victims, has brought him to trial.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.