Phishing scammers posing as prosecutors arrested for demanding nude photos before arrest

Police in Seoul have arrested 11 members of a voice phishing ring that operated from Bangkok, Thailand, extorting approximately 6.7 billion won ($5 million) from 68 victims. The group, led by a 29-year-old identified as Hong, allegedly ran their scam from May to December last year.

The sophisticated operation involved distinct roles. First-line operatives, posing as prosecutors' investigators, would inform victims their bank accounts were involved in money laundering and that an arrest warrant had been issued. They then directed victims to fake prosecution websites and pressured them to comply with instructions from a "prosecutor."

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You must undergo a physical examination before arrest. Send me nude photos.

Second-line operatives, acting as prosecutors, instructed victims to check into motels and undergo a "temporary probation procedure" before arrest. This involved taking nude photos and sending them to the scammers, who planned to use the images for further control and demands. Finally, a third group, posing as Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) employees, would demand "resolution deposits" to avoid criminal charges, directing victims to fake FSS accounts.

The victims were mostly in their 20s and 30s, with one individual losing up to 500 million won. The organization consisted of 24 members, including Chinese and Korean nationals, recruited through acquaintances and in Bangkok's Koreatown. While nine members remain at large and have been issued red notices, police are continuing their pursuit. Authorities emphasized that no legitimate government agency would conduct physical searches in motels or demand such deposits.

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No state agency, such as the prosecution or FSS, would ever conduct a physical search in a motel or demand a deposit to resolve a case.