Impersonating Investigative Agencies and Banks... Chinese-Based Voice Phishing Gang Members Sentenced to Prison One After Another

Charges Including Joining a Criminal Organization and Fraud

A voice phishing criminal organization based in China has been consecutively sentenced to prison.

On the 28th, Judge Hong Daseon of the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 4 announced that Mr. A (48), who is accused of joining a criminal organization, participating in criminal organization activities, and fraud, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in prison.

Mr. A was indicted on charges of creating a voice phishing organization that called numerous unspecified victims in places such as Yanji City, Jilin Province, China, in 2014, impersonating investigative agencies, making victims transfer money to fake bank accounts, and withdrawing the money through cash withdrawal agents. It was confirmed that Mr. A's organization stole a total of 262.9 million KRW from 16 victims between January and October 2015.

Judge Hong explained the sentencing reason, saying, "Considering that there were 16 victims and the amount of damage reached 262.9 million KRW, the culpability is serious. However, the defendant admitted and confessed to the crime, and except for one previous fine, has no prior criminal record."

Additionally, Judge Hong sentenced Mr. B (41), who operated a voice phishing crime base in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China, to 3 years and 4 months in prison on charges including fraud.

Mr. B was indicted on charges of calling unspecified victims from an office in an apartment in Qingdao, China, between April and October 2015, falsely claiming, "We will provide refinancing loans at low interest rates, so repay your existing loans in cash," and embezzling a total of approximately 109.69 million KRW from 22 victims.

Judge Hong stated, "Considering the duration of the crime, the number of victims, and the amount of damage, the circumstances are unfavorable. However, the defendant admitted the crime and showed remorse, and the victims do not wish for punishment against the defendant, which were taken into account."