[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The police will conduct intensive crackdowns on social networking services (SNS) and webhards, which are major distribution channels for 'cyber sexual violence,' including the distribution of illegal filming materials.
The National Police Agency announced on the 9th that it will carry out a 'focused crackdown on the four major distribution networks of cyber sexual violence' from the 10th of this month until June 30. The four major distribution networks identified by the police are SNS such as Telegram, the dark web, pornographic sites, and webhards.
The cyber sexual violence distribution channel that the police are most focused on is Telegram. So far, the police have arrested a total of 66 people, including 16 Telegram room operators and accomplices who distributed illegal filming materials, and 50 suspects involved in the distribution and possession of child sexual exploitation materials. In particular, since cyber sexual violence offenders are believed to be using servers located overseas, the National Police Agency has established a 'Telegram Tracking Technical Investigation Support Task Force' to research and provide Telegram tracking techniques, concentrating investigative efforts. Cooperation and collaboration with Interpol and foreign law enforcement agencies will also be strengthened.
Cyber sexual violence through the dark web is investigated by 24 cyberterror investigation teams established at the National Police Agency and local police agencies. Using a tracking system developed in-house, the police analyze illegal information and also track the flow of virtual currency, which is a major payment method on the dark web, to arrest distribution offenders. Previously, the police achieved results in cracking down on illegal activities through the dark web in cooperation with the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Illegal distribution of pornographic materials on webhards will be punished more severely by applying the Film and Video Act (illegal video distribution), which carries heavier penalties than the Information and Communications Network Act, through active interpretation of laws. Additionally, the police explained that they will simultaneously pursue the recovery of criminal proceeds through seizure preservation before prosecution.
Along with crackdowns, the police plan to strengthen cooperation with related organizations to prevent secondary damage and enhance cyber sexual violence prevention and publicity activities. A National Police Agency official stated, "Although investigations into Telegram and the dark web are known to be difficult, we are steadily arresting cyber sexual violence offenders based on international cooperation," emphasizing, "We will track down and arrest them no matter where they are."
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