Chinese Ringleader Who Stole 38 Billion Won Extradited; Police to Seek Arrest Warrant

Jungkook of BTS Among Victims: Accounts Drained Through Identity Theft
Hacking Crime Ring Operated Across China and Thailand

The Chinese ringleader of an overseas hacking organization, who stole approximately 38 billion won by using the identities of domestic wealthy individuals—including BTS member Jungkook and the chairman of a major conglomerate—has been extradited from Thailand to South Korea.

In August last year, Mr. B, a Chinese national and member of a hacking group accused of stealing assets from domestic wealthy individuals including BTS member Jungkook, appeared at the pre-arrest suspect hearing (warrant review) held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

On May 13, the Ministry of Justice extradited Chinese national Mr. A (age 40), the head of an overseas criminal organization, from Bangkok, Thailand to Incheon International Airport. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to apply for an arrest warrant for Mr. A on charges including violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes and the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, after conducting a suspect investigation and analyzing confiscated materials.

Mr. A is accused of organizing a hacking criminal group while moving between Thailand and China, and then stealing personal information by hacking the websites of budget phone service providers and others between August 2023 and April of last year.

Mr. A's group hacked six websites, including those of government and public institutions. They then used the stolen information to access victims' financial accounts and cryptocurrency accounts, making unauthorized withdrawals. The confirmed amount of damages so far exceeds 38 billion won. Among the victims are a number of prominent figures, including the chairman of a major conglomerate, well-known celebrities, and venture company CEOs.

A police official stated, "Given the significant societal impact of this case, we will conduct a thorough investigation."

Previously, through cooperation with INTERPOL, the police and the Ministry of Justice arrested Chinese accomplice Mr. B in Thailand in May of last year. Mr. B was extradited ahead of Mr. A in August last year and is currently on trial in custody.

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