'Chinese Woman in Her 30s Sentenced to Prison as Domestic Cash Courier for "Mokcam Phishing" Organization'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A woman in her 30s was sentenced to prison for delivering money extorted from victims through so-called 'Mokcam phishing'?a scam where sexual acts are induced via video calls and then used for blackmail?to a Chinese criminal organization.

On the 29th, according to the legal community, Chief Judge Hong Changwoo of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 1 recently sentenced a 35-year-old Chinese national, A, to 1 year and 6 months in prison on charges including extortion and violation of the Electronic Financial Transactions Act.

Earlier, A was prosecuted for receiving a total of 7 million won from victim B under the direction of a Mokcam phishing organization based in China in March and delivering it to the organization.

The Mokcam phishing organization was investigated to have proposed video calls with victims met through chat, asking them to undress, then saved photos and videos, and threatened victims by showing contact information obtained through malware sent via mobile phones, saying, "If you do not transfer money, we will distribute it to your acquaintances."

According to investigative authorities, A first connected with members of the organization in China. The members instructed A, who entered Korea and participated in the crimes, to "change clothes frequently and move residences regularly" and "withdraw money quickly because cards may be blocked an hour after deposit."

In court, A's side argued, "It is true that some of the money deposited by the victim was withdrawn, but we did not know it was money from Mokcam phishing victims."

However, the court ruled all charges against A guilty, stating, "A conspiracy relationship with the organization is recognized." The court said, "Fraud and extortion crimes using phone or communication are organized and planned crimes targeting an unspecified large number of victims. The defendant’s role as a delivery agent is essential for realizing criminal profits, thus the culpability is heavy."

It added, "The defendant actively denies the criminal intent, showing little sign of remorse, and no settlement or victim compensation has been made." A appealed the first trial verdict on the 27th.

Meanwhile, according to data recently released by Rep. Itanhee of the Democratic Party from the National Police Agency, Mokcam phishing cases last year totaled 2,583, a 2.1-fold increase compared to 1,193 cases in 2016. The damage amounted to 7.268 billion won, an 8.3-fold increase over five years. However, the number of arrests last year was 519, with an arrest rate remaining in the 20% range.

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