Police Arrest 664 for Digital Sex Crimes... Will Jo Joo-bin's Phone Provide Clues to Track 'Accomplices'?

Many Photos and Videos Found... Data Under Analysis
Applying 'Criminal Organization Charges' to N-Bunbang Seems Difficult for Now
"Focus on Investigating Guerrilla Chatrooms and Possessors of Sexual Exploitation Materials"

Moon Hyung-wook (24, university student), known as 'GodGod,' the operator of the Telegram chat room 'n번방' that shared sexual exploitation materials, is answering reporters' questions as he leaves Andong Police Station in Andong, Gyeongbuk, on the afternoon of the 18th before being transferred to the prosecution.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The police conducted a special investigation into digital sex crimes for two months following the 'Telegram n-bunbang' incident, arresting 664 individuals involved in producing or distributing sexually exploitative materials. Among them, 86 were detained, and 2.2 billion KRW in profits earned from distributing such materials were confiscated.

As of the 27th of this month, the National Police Agency announced on the 28th that they investigated 594 cases of digital sex crimes, arresting 664 suspects, with 86 detained. Of those, 258 were prosecuted, and investigations are ongoing for 406 individuals.

Following the Telegram n-bunbang case, the police formed a special investigation headquarters for digital sex crimes in March and successively arrested Park Ju-bin, the operator of the Baksa Room, along with accomplices such as 'Buddha' Kang Hoon. Sixty-four people were arrested on charges of producing and distributing child sexual exploitation materials in the Baksa Room. Additionally, related to the n-bunbang, the origin of sex exploitation chat rooms, a total of 166 people, including operator 'GodGod' Moon Hyung-wook, were arrested.

The number of victims reached 536, with teenagers accounting for the largest group at 301 (62%). Those in their 20s numbered 124 (26%), 30s 39 (8%), 40s 12 (2%), and 50s and above 6 (1%). The police provided 1,756 protective measures, including personal protection, pseudonymous statements, and counseling center connections, for 473 identified victims. A police official explained, "Young women are targeted, with teenagers and people in their 20s making up the highest proportion of victims. Some victims suffered not only sexual exploitation but also economic damages such as voice phishing."

Previously, a significant amount of evidence, including photos and videos, was found on Park Ju-bin's smartphone after it was unlocked. The police are analyzing the data, expecting it to provide clues for investigating accomplices and possessors related to the Baksa Room. However, unlike the Baksa Room, applying the crime of organized crime group formation to the n-bunbang is currently considered difficult. A police official stated, "We are reviewing the application of organized crime group charges, but the collective conspiracy aspect of the n-bunbang appears weaker compared to the Baksa Room."

The police plan to focus on investigating 'guerrilla-style' Telegram chat rooms that repeatedly open and delete themselves to distribute sexually exploitative materials, as well as participants possessing such materials. A police official emphasized, "We will continue to operate the current special investigation headquarters system until the end of the year. Although confirming possessors will take time, we will pursue the investigation to the end."

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