Police Operate 'Special Voluntary Surrender and Reporting Period' for Voice Phishing and Messenger Phishing for 2 Months

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters announced on the 14th that it will operate a two-month "Special Voluntary Surrender and Reporting Period for Telecommunication Financial Fraud," including voice phishing and messenger phishing, from the 15th to August 14. This is the first time the police have set a voluntary surrender period for telecommunication financial fraud such as voice phishing.

The main illegal activities subject to reporting include ▲telephone financial fraud criminal organizations ▲development and sale of apps for criminal purposes ▲illegal acquisition and supply of personal information. Students and ordinary citizens who participated as account name lenders, relay device managers, etc., involved in telephone financial fraud crimes, can receive sentence reductions or exemptions by applying mitigation regulations if they voluntarily surrender within the period.

Additionally, to encourage the public to report crimes, a reward of up to 100 million KRW will be given for outstanding contributions to arrests. Voluntary surrender and various tips and reports can be submitted via 112 or at police stations, metropolitan/provincial police agencies, police stations, or police boxes regardless of jurisdiction. There are no restrictions on the method, whether by direct visit or phone, and voluntary surrender through third parties such as family or acquaintances is also possible.

The police will strengthen customs inspections related to crimes such as illegal smuggling of relay devices, a major crime tool, in cooperation with the Korea Customs Service, and will conduct joint investigations if necessary. From the second half of the year, a large-scale public awareness campaign will be conducted together with the Financial Supervisory Service.

Furthermore, the police will operate a joint "Comprehensive Task Force (TF) for Eradicating Telecommunication Financial Fraud," led by the head of the National Investigation Headquarters, including investigation, cyber, and criminal divisions. The TF plans to promote various measures such as systematic analysis of telecommunication financial fraud, repatriation of suspects who fled overseas, organic cooperation with financial and communication-related agencies, institutional improvement plans, and protection and recovery measures for crime victims.