Police target 'MZ gangsters' in crackdown on fraud, drugs, and money laundering

South Korean police are intensifying their efforts against organized crime, with a special focus on the emerging "MZ-generation gangsters" implicated in sophisticated fraud schemes, money laundering operations, and international drug distribution networks. The nationwide crackdown, set to run from August 10 to October 31, aims to dismantle criminal organizations and curb illicit activities.

The police plan to concentrate on crimes such as organized fraud, illegal private lending, operating illegal gambling sites, and money laundering. Authorities are particularly concerned about the involvement of younger individuals, often referred to as "MZ gangsters," who are adept at exploiting digital platforms and operating with anonymity, making them difficult to track. These groups are believed to be attracted by the potential for high profits with relatively low effort.

In addition to financial crimes, the police will also target violent acts committed by organized crime groups, including inter-gang conflicts. Proactive measures, such as issuing advance warnings and deploying police resources, will be employed to prevent potential clashes. The crackdown also extends to international criminal activities, with a particular emphasis on drug-related offenses involving foreigners and organized illegal acts.

Recent statistics from a previous crackdown (March 9 to June 30) revealed that 1,185 individuals were arrested, with 225 taken into custody. Notably, 63.6% of those arrested were in their 30s or younger, and fraud accounted for the largest share of crimes they were involved in (42.7%). In the international crime sector, 641 individuals were arrested in the first half of the year, with drug-related offenses showing a significant increase.

“

Going forward, based on cooperation with related agencies regarding organized and international crime, we plan to strengthen continuous crackdowns and intelligence gathering to respond proactively.