Chinese Ring Busted for Massive TOPIK Cheating Scheme to Secure University Admissions and Scholarships

A group of Chinese nationals has been apprehended by authorities for orchestrating a large-scale cheating scheme involving the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). The group facilitated proxy test-taking and utilized high-tech equipment to commit fraud.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's International Crime Investigation Division announced that they have arrested individuals involved in taking the TOPIK exam using forged identification, hiring proxy test-takers, and employing illegal devices such as miniature earphones.

With the exception of one naturalized Korean citizen, all suspects are Chinese nationals.

In January, police referred a man in his 20s, identified as 'A', to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. He was detained on charges of obstruction of official business for managing the entire registration process. Authorities have also moved to forfeit 150 million won of his approximately 200 million won in criminal proceeds.

Additionally, 101 individuals who hired proxy test-takers have been booked without detention on the same charges.

Eleven individuals who acted as proxy test-takers were also booked without detention on additional charges of forging and using official documents, and most have been referred to the prosecution.

The group employed two primary methods to cheat on the exams.

The Chinese ringleader connected clients and proxy test-takers through advertisements on Chinese social media platforms.

The ringleader produced forged identification cards in the names of the clients and recruited proxy test-takers who resembled them to sit for the exams.

Another method involved the use of a courier to deliver equipment.

The courier provided proxy test-takers with high-tech devices, including miniature earphones.

It is reported that on the day of the exam, the test-takers received answers in real-time through these earphones and mobile applications.

Chinese clients contacted the brokers and paid up to 35,000 yuan per person, or approximately 8 million won, to facilitate the cheating.

Proxy test-takers, including ethnic Koreans from China with high proficiency in the language, reportedly received 800,000 won per test for their participation.

Investigations revealed that the suspects used the fraudulent TOPIK scores to gain admission to prominent universities in Seoul and to secure scholarships.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Seo Byeong-uk | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News | Footage courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.