BANGKOK, Thailand – South Korean police have dismantled a suspected voice-phishing gang allegedly operating a call center in Bangkok on August 13, accused of defrauding 68 victims in South Korea of about 6.7 billion won (156 million baht) last year. Eleven alleged members of the gang, including its 29-year-old leader, were arrested and taken to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Nine of the suspects were placed in police custody. Police also froze 157 million won (about 3.67 million baht) believed to have been obtained through criminal activity.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 30, allegedly posed as financial regulators and prosecutors. Between May and December last year, they reportedly threatened victims into providing nude photographs, claiming the images were required for a physical examination. The gang allegedly used the photographs to produce sexually exploitative material and then extorted money from victims, claiming the payments were required as bail or legal expenses to resolve fabricated criminal cases.
Police said the group was established last year with 24 members — 20 South Koreans and four Chinese nationals. Investigators believe the gang established a call center in Bangkok and divided its operations among three separate roles. Victims were allegedly randomly targeted and told they were subject to arrest warrants for suspected money laundering or prostitution offences. They were then persuaded to send nude photographs under the pretext of undergoing a body examination. The suspects allegedly followed up by demanding money, claiming it was required as court bail to resolve the cases.
Police said 68 victims transferred a combined 6.7 billion won, with one victim allegedly losing more than 500 million won (about 11.7 million baht). The arrests followed a joint operation involving South Korean and Thai authorities that began on December 4 last year. Investigators from both countries are continuing efforts to locate nine other South Korean members of the suspected organization who are believed to have fled to Thailand.
