20-Something Syndicate Member Arrested in 'No-Show Scam' in Seoul's First Major Investigation Unit Voice Phishing Case

A voice phishing syndicate member who carried out a "no-show scam" targeting small business owners has been arrested.

This marks the first instance where the Seoul Metropolitan Major Crime Investigation Agency has taken on a voice phishing investigation and secured custody of a suspect since its opening.

According to the legal community, the Seoul Eastern District Court issued an arrest warrant for a man in his 20s, identified as A, who faces charges including joining and participating in a criminal organization.

The court explained the reason for issuing the warrant, stating that there is a risk of destruction of evidence and flight.

The Joint Voice Phishing Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Major Crime Investigation Agency (led by Division Head Choi Jun-hwan) requested an arrest warrant for A yesterday.

A is suspected of joining an overseas-based voice phishing syndicate, luring victims over the phone, and embezzling money.

He is accused of calling domestic small business owners and tricking them by saying, "We want to place a large order, but you need to purchase specific goods to do so," before introducing them to a supplier to buy the goods.

Investigations showed that he committed the crimes by posing as the representative of the supplier and taking the payments.

The Seoul Metropolitan Major Crime Investigation Agency became aware of A's suspected involvement while investigating a case handed over by the former Government Joint Investigation Team for Voice Phishing at the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office (currently the Seoul Eastern District Public Prosecution Office).

A, who had been placed on a wanted list with his passport invalidated, recently entered the country voluntarily and was arrested at Incheon International Airport on the 27th.

The Seoul Metropolitan Major Crime Investigation Agency is expanding its investigation, estimating that the voice phishing organization to which A belongs consists of dozens of members.

An official from the Seoul Metropolitan Major Crime Investigation Agency stated, "We are currently investigating the exact amount of damages."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.