Police Launch Special Voluntary Surrender and Reporting Period for Phishing, Investment Fraud, and Illegal Private Lending

by Lim Chunhan

Published 29 Apr.2025 12:00(KST)

The National Police Agency Criminal Investigation Headquarters announced on April 29 that it will operate a special voluntary surrender and reporting period for phishing, investment fraud, and illegal private lending from May to June.

National Police Agency, Criminal Investigation Headquarters. Yonhap News

During this period, a broad opportunity for voluntary surrender will be provided not only to members of criminal organizations involved in overseas call centers and money laundering, but also to minor participants such as cash collectors, remittance agents, withdrawal agents, and holders of various accounts or items under borrowed names. If individuals provide information about accomplices or other organization members, such cooperation will be actively considered in sentencing within the limits permitted by law.

Anyone can voluntarily surrender, report, or provide information by calling 112 or visiting any police station nationwide, with no restrictions on the method?direct visits, phone calls, and more are all accepted. Surrender is also possible through family members or acquaintances.

For reports and tips, a reward of up to 100 million won will be paid depending on the degree to which the information contributed to crime prevention and the apprehension of suspects.

Individuals involved in voice phishing or the distribution and use of accounts under borrowed names can surrender to the Government Joint Investigation Team for Voice Phishing Crimes. Victims can report or seek counseling through the call center operated by the Financial Supervisory Service, and victims of illegal private lending crimes can receive relief, such as free debtor representative support programs.

A police official stated, "Criminals will inevitably be apprehended by investigative agencies, and there are many cases where people who thought they were taking a simple part-time job at an overseas call center end up being detained by criminal organizations and unable to escape. This special voluntary surrender and reporting period is the time to find the courage to quit."