Police dismantle China-based voice phishing ring that stole 10 billion won

A voice phishing organization operating out of a call center in China has been dismantled through a joint investigation by South Korean and Chinese police. The group targeted 118 victims, primarily elderly South Koreans, stealing approximately 10 billion won between January and March of last year.

The criminals used sophisticated methods, including installing malicious apps on victims' phones that intercepted calls to emergency services and investigative agencies. This allowed them to impersonate police officers, prosecutors, and financial regulators. They deceived victims by claiming their bank accounts were involved in criminal activities and required asset inspections.

Through cooperation between the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency and the Jilin Provincial Public Security Department, authorities arrested 10 individuals in China, including four Chinese nationals and six South Koreans. The six South Koreans have been extradited to South Korea and referred to prosecutors on charges of joining a criminal organization and violating telecommunications fraud laws.