Sharing 'Deepfake' Photos Since 2020
Victims' Contact Info and Personal Data Also... "Verbal Abuse If Calls Are Ignored"
Police "Main Suspect's Identity Not Yet Confirmed"
A report was received that over 1,000 people in a university student group chat were sharing 'nude deepfake photos.'
On the 19th, the Cyber Crime Investigation Unit of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency announced that they are investigating Mr. A, the operator of the Telegram group chat, on suspicion of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes.
Those participating in the chatroom are suspected of sharing so-called 'deepfake' photos and videos since 2020, which superimpose female students' faces onto nude bodies. It was also revealed that participants held votes to select the next victim.
After receiving a report from a victim last year, the police began an investigation and arrested one Telegram user who redistributed the videos in March, sending them to the prosecution in custody.
The police have identified four victims so far, some of whom are known to be students at Inha University. It is expected that more victims will be identified as the investigation progresses.
In addition to the synthetic images, personal information such as the victims' contact details was shared in the chatroom, leading to some victims being threatened. The identities of the chatroom participants have not yet been determined.
One female victim complained, "I received dozens of calls and messages every day," adding, "If I didn't answer the phone, they would leave abusive messages."
The police stated, "Telegram is difficult to trace, so the identity of the main suspect, Mr. A, has not yet been confirmed," and added, "It is difficult to disclose specific details of the investigation."
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