Operation of Korea's First Voluntary Surrender and Reporting Period for Voice Phishing Over 2 Months... 148 Arrested

75 Surrender in Face-to-Face Extortion Scheme... Non-Detention Investigation
61 Reports from Financial Institutions and Citizens
Additional Accomplices Arrested Following Higher-Ups Tracking

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters announced on the 22nd that it conducted the 'Special Voluntary Surrender and Reporting Period for Telecommunications Financial Fraud' for the first time over two months from June 15 to August 14, apprehending 148 individuals.

The main targets for voluntary surrender and reporting were ▲members of telecommunications financial fraud criminal organizations ▲telecommunications operators involved in criminal organizations and distributors of fake goods. Those who surrendered voluntarily were investigated without detention and were subject to discretionary mitigation regulations.

Among all those apprehended, 75 voluntarily surrendered. By type, the largest group was face-to-face extortion agents with 40 people, followed by fake phone account holders with 26, fake bank account holders with 5, and cash withdrawal agents with 2. Notably, two call center counselors, who were key members of criminal organizations, also surrendered.

By age, the voluntarily surrendered suspects were mostly in their 20s and 30s, accounting for 51 people (68%). By occupation, most were unemployed (42 people), but there were also company employees (9), university students (6), and self-employed individuals (18). With the cooperation of those who surrendered, the police prevented voice phishing damages worth approximately 18.33 million KRW and additionally apprehended two other criminal organization members.

Furthermore, a total of 61 reports and tips were received, resulting in the apprehension of 64 individuals. By type, 47 were face-to-face extortion agents, 12 cash withdrawal agents, 3 intermediaries, and 2 relay device managers. Based on these apprehended suspects, further investigations into additional crimes and organizational tracking led to the capture of 7 more accomplices.

Reporters included 38 reports from financial institution employees such as bank staff and security guards, 17 tips from citizens including taxi drivers, and 6 reports from acquaintances of suspects. The police plan to actively reward citizens who contributed significantly to the arrests with compensation and certificates of appreciation. Additionally, a special voluntary surrender and reporting period will be operated overseas to promote the extradition and apprehension of criminal organization members residing abroad.

A National Police Agency official stated, "We sincerely thank the public and financial authorities, including the banking sector, for their cooperation in eradicating telecommunications financial fraud crimes that harm the common economy," adding, "Based on cooperation with the public and related ministries, we plan to institutionalize and continuously operate the special surrender and reporting period annually."

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