Police Identify 52 Suspects in Deepfake Sexual Crimes... Teens Account for 75%

Investigating 101 Deepfake Sexual Crime Cases
Telegram Under Review for Formal Investigation
Possible International Cooperation and Forced Investigation

The police announced that they have identified 52 suspects related to Telegram deepfake sex crimes and have launched investigations into over 100 cases.

Kim Bong-sik, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated at a regular press briefing on the 9th, "As of the 6th, we are investigating 101 cases related to Telegram deepfake sex crimes," adding, "Among them, 52 suspects have been identified."

[Image source=Asia Economy DB]

Commissioner Kim further explained, "Among the 52 suspects, 39 are teenagers, accounting for 75% of the total," and "11 are in their 20s, and 2 are in their 30s."

He said that to prevent the spread of harm to youth victims, "We are cooperating with the education office to send School Police Officers (SPOs) to elementary, middle, and high schools within Seoul to conduct crime prevention education."

Additionally, the police are reviewing whether to formally investigate the Telegram corporation. Earlier, on the 2nd, the police initiated a preliminary investigation into the Telegram corporation on suspicion of aiding deepfake sex crimes.

Commissioner Kim emphasized, "Once specific charges and criminal facts are identified, we plan to convert the case into a formal investigation," adding, "We are determined to investigate and will take action as quickly as possible."

He also stated, "We are verifying information regarding the Telegram headquarters in Dubai, as well as its operators and executives," and "We are reviewing necessary procedures such as international cooperation and compulsory investigations."

Meanwhile, to investigate this case, the police are collecting and referencing overseas cases and domestic criminal punishment cases. Commissioner Kim said, "We are compiling and organizing investigation details from cases where existing Telegram users were criminally punished, as well as foreign cases."