Voice phishing syndicate members who operated bases overseas and extorted over 3 billion won by impersonating investigative agencies and financial authorities have been apprehended by police.

The Violent Crime and Narcotics Investigation Unit of the Sejong Provincial Police Agency announced today (October 26) that it has apprehended 12 members of the criminal organization on charges of joining and participating in a criminal organization and violating the Special Act on the Prevention of Damage from Telecommunications-based Financial Fraud, and has transferred eight of them into custody.

They are accused of stealing approximately 3.1 billion won from 68 victims over a period of one year starting in March of last year, while impersonating credit card companies, courts, prosecutors, and the Financial Supervisory Service.

According to the investigation, they deceived victims by sending them an internet link telling them to "check registered mail," which then displayed a fake arrest warrant on the screen when the victims entered their names.

It was revealed that they subsequently pressured flustered victims by telling them that "their assets needed to be inspected," inducing them to transfer money to specific accounts or withdraw cash directly and hand it over.

While tracking a ringleader presumed to be a Chinese national, the police are expanding their investigation by requesting Interpol international cooperation for nine other syndicate members currently staying overseas or on the run.