Joint South Korea-China Police Operation Dismantles Phishing Ring

CHUNCHEON, South Korea, Aug. 25 (Yonhap) -- Six South Korean and four Chinese nationals suspected of running a China-based phishing ring have been apprehended in China by a joint police team of the two countries, police officials here said Tuesday.

The suspects are accused of defrauding approximately 10 billion won (US$7.23 million) from 118 South Koreans, mainly those in their 60s and older, between January 2025 and March of this year, according to the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency. The South Korean suspects have been repatriated and referred to the prosecution.

They allegedly lured the victims by telling them a check card in their name had been issued and installing malicious apps to intercept calls when the victims tried to verify or call the police.

The suspects reportedly operated voice phishing call centers in China, posing as card delivery drivers, card company security staff, police officers, Financial Supervisory Service officials and prosecutors.

The crackdown was made under a joint investigation by the Gangwon police and China's Jilin Provincial Public Security Department, an official said. Key evidence, including mobile phones used in the alleged crime, have been brought to South Korea, which the police said may help secure further evidence that the criminal proceeds have been shared in cryptocurrency.

The police are continuing their investigation to check for any additional crimes committed by the suspects and to find any local accomplices here.

"We will further strengthen practical cooperation with overseas investigative agencies to take the lead in eradicating phishing crimes," Choi Hyeon-suk, head of the Gangwon police, said.