Installation of 'Phone Number Manipulation' Device on Motorcycle, 40s Sentenced for Involvement in Voice Phishing

Relay Device Changing 070 Number to 010
Installed on Motorcycles for Mobility
Court: "Voice Phishing Identity Concealment"... Sentenced to 2 Years Imprisonment

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A man in his 40s who installed a device on a motorcycle that changes the first digits of phone numbers and rode around participating in voice phishing crimes was sentenced to prison in the first trial.

On the 25th, according to the court, Chief Judge Lee Wonjoong of Criminal Division 19 at the Seoul Central District Court sentenced A (42, male), who was indicted on charges of fraud and violation of the Telecommunications Business Act, to two years in prison and ordered a fine of 10.34 million won.

Earlier, A was brought to trial on charges of acting as a relay device manager for a voice phishing organization in the Gangbuk area of Seoul from August to November last year.

A is accused of riding a motorcycle equipped with a relay device called a 'Sim Box,' which had 80 mobile phones and 161 SIM cards attached, following the voice phishing organization's offer of "300,000 to 400,000 won per month." This served as a mobile relay station. This method differs from the conventional tactic of installing relay devices in motels or remote local buildings, as it was directly installed on a motorcycle and used by changing locations.

The prosecution believed that members of the voice phishing organization were able to approach victims using phone numbers starting with 010 through A's relay device.

When calls are made from abroad, they should appear as internet phone numbers (070) or international phone numbers, but by changing the phone numbers to appear as if they were made through domestic mobile networks, suspicion was reduced. Subsequently, victims were deceived by the voice phishing organization's claim that "if you repay existing loans, low-interest loans are possible," resulting in a total loss of tens of millions of won.

All of A's charges were recognized as guilty. Chief Judge Lee stated, "The defendant concealed the identity of the voice phishing criminals, making it impossible to track them, causing many victims and significant financial and mental suffering." He added, "However, considering that the defendant reached a settlement with one victim, has no prior record exceeding fines, and taking into account age and behavior, the sentence was determined."

Meanwhile, A appealed the first trial verdict.

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