Arrest Warrant Issued After Identification... Interpol Red Notice
Joint Operation by Australian Police... Arrested Near Sydney on 23rd
25 Accomplices Involved in El Crime Arrested, 6 Detained
The Cyber Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency arrested a prime suspect, Mr. A (the seated person), in the so-called second Nth Room case, who filmed, produced, and distributed sexual exploitation scenes of children and adolescents through Telegram, on the 23rd through a joint investigation with the Australian police. Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The police, who have been investigating digital sex crimes discussed online, have apprehended L (a pseudonym, mid-20s), known as the main suspect of the so-called "Second n-bang."
On the 25th, the Cyber Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency held a briefing at the Jongno-gu office in Seoul and announced that suspect A, a prime suspect in the so-called Second n-bang case involving filming, producing, and distributing sexual exploitation scenes of children and adolescents via Telegram, was arrested on the 23rd through a joint investigation with the Australian police.
Suspect A is accused of threatening nine minors from late December 2020 until August 15 of this year to film naked or sexually exploitative scenes and producing and distributing over 1,200 illegal sexual exploitation materials. Among two mobile phones seized locally in Australia, one contained videos and photos of unidentified victims, suggesting that the number of victims may increase.
After identifying suspect A, the police obtained an arrest warrant and issued an Interpol red notice. Following the joint operation named "Inverlock" (assigned by the Australian police), they conducted a search and seizure at A’s residence in the suburbs of Sydney on the 23rd and arrested him. At the time of arrest, A strongly denied the charges, claiming he only downloaded and watched the videos, but the police arrested and currently detain him based on collected evidence.
The police plan to further verify the identities of the victims and, based on forensic analysis of mobile phones and Korean investigation records, proceed with the investigation so that the Australian police can indict A on charges of possession and production of child and adolescent sexual exploitation materials.
Additionally, in cooperation with the Australian police, after clearly identifying any additional crimes committed by A, they plan to pursue his extradition to Korea through criminal extradition procedures. Regarding the timing of A’s extradition, the police explained, “It is difficult to predict the exact timing as the Australian police are still conducting investigations.”
Meanwhile, the police have arrested 15 individuals who were directly or indirectly involved in luring and threatening victims alongside A; 13 of them have been sent to prosecution, and investigations are ongoing for the remaining two. Notably, three individuals who directly lured victims or participated in producing child and adolescent sexual exploitation materials have been detained.
Furthermore, 10 additional people who sold, distributed, broadcast, or viewed videos produced by A or disclosed victims’ personal information were arrested, with eight handed over to the prosecution. Among them, three were detained, including two who sold videos for profit and one who distributed victims’ personal information.
A representative from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stated, “Digital sex crimes are not the fault of the victims, so they should not try to resolve it alone but seek help from the police or the Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Center,” adding, “We will continue to take the lead in protecting victims suffering from cyber sexual violence crimes in consultation with related organizations, including the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.”
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