Mokpo Coast Guard Arrests Crew Advance Payment Fraudsters in Succession

Two A-Grade Wanted Fugitives Who Fled with Tens of Millions Captured

Mokpo Maritime Police Station (Chief Kwon Oh-seong) has consecutively arrested two A-class wanted fugitives who disappeared after receiving advance payments from shipowners under the pretense of working as crew members.

According to Mokpo Maritime Police on the 17th, on the 15th, they arrested crew member A (in his 40s), an 'A-class wanted person' with the highest wanted level, at Seogwipo Port in Seogwipo City, under an arrest warrant.

Exterior view of Mokpo Maritime Police Station

A, who was arrested by the maritime police, is suspected of deceiving the owner of fishing vessel B (registered in Mokpo) on December 24 last year by claiming he would work as a crew member, receiving an advance payment of 35 million KRW, and then fleeing.

Following A’s arrest, on the 16th, the Mokpo Maritime Police additionally arrested C (in his 50s), also an A-class wanted person for advance payment fraud, at an undisclosed location in Mokpo City.

C is suspected of using the same method as A, deceiving the owner of fishing vessel D (registered in Sinan) on January 8 last year by claiming he would work as a crew member, receiving an advance payment of 35 million KRW, and then fleeing.

The Mokpo Maritime Police reported that cases of advance payment fraud exploiting the difficulty in securing crew members have been increasing, urging shipowners and related fishing vessel personnel to exercise special caution. Over the past year, they have arrested a total of 10 A-class wanted fugitives suspected of advance payment fraud.

A Mokpo Maritime Police official stated, “The maritime police will do their best to eradicate crimes that undermine public safety, such as advance payment fraudsters who exploit difficult situations related to maritime and fisheries.”

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