Police Apprehend 93 in Three Months Through Undercover Investigations of Digital Sex Crimes Against Adults

A Total of 2,171 Apprehended, 130 Arrested

The National Office of Investigation of the Korean National Police Agency announced on the 23rd that it had apprehended 93 individuals (including one under arrest) through undercover investigations targeting digital sex crimes against adults over a three-month period.

Undercover investigations are divided into two types: non-disclosure investigations, in which police officers do not reveal or deny their identity to collect evidence and materials; and identity-masking investigations, in which police officers disguise themselves as someone other than law enforcement, using documents, drawings, or electronic records to gather evidence and materials. When undercover investigations were first introduced in September 2021, they were only permitted in cases where the victim was a child or adolescent. However, since June 4 of this year, undercover investigations have also been allowed in cases involving adult victims.

Since the introduction of the undercover investigation system, police have apprehended 2,171 individuals (including 130 under arrest). Of these, 1,363 suspects (62.8%) were charged with distribution-related offenses such as selling or disseminating illegal content; 530 suspects (24.4%) were charged with purchasing, possessing, or viewing such material; 211 suspects (9.7%) were charged with production-related offenses; and 67 suspects (3.1%) were charged with engaging in conversations for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Among the total 765 undercover investigation cases, distribution-related crimes such as selling or disseminating illegal content accounted for the largest proportion at 591 cases (77.3%). This was followed by 102 cases (13.3%) involving production, 46 cases (6%) involving conversations for sexual exploitation, and 25 cases (3.4%) involving purchasing, possessing, or viewing illegal content.

An official from the Korean National Police Agency stated, "As digital sex crime methods continue to evolve and become more covert, with the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the use of secure messaging apps, we are committed to eradicating digital sex crimes through proactive undercover investigations." The official added, "Even creating, possessing, or viewing sexually exploitative materials such as deepfake videos out of curiosity or as a prank can result in severe punishment."

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