Mastermind Behind 10 Billion Won Investment Leading Room Scam Forcibly Extradited from the Philippines

Posing as Virtual Asset and Unlisted Stock Investment Expert
Embezzled 11.1 Billion Won from 199 Victims
Operated Organization Using Aliases from "Money Heist"

The mastermind behind an investment fraud scheme involving over 10 billion won, identified as Mr. A (26), has been apprehended in the Philippines and forcibly extradited to South Korea.

Mr. A (center), accused of embezzling 11.1 billion won through a leading room scam. National Police Agency.

The National Police Agency announced on June 28 that Mr. A was arrested locally in the Philippines and extradited to Korea via Incheon International Airport. Mr. A is accused of embezzling approximately 11.1 billion won from a total of 199 victims by operating a "leading room" scam, impersonating an investment expert and luring people with promises of profits from virtual assets and unlisted stock investments.

Mr. A systematically managed 31 accomplices both domestically and abroad, assigning them aliases such as "Professor," "Berlin," and "Rio"?names featured in the drama "Money Heist"?in order to conceal their true identities.

The National Police Agency issued an Interpol Red Notice for Mr. A in August of last year and, in cooperation with the Philippine police, formed a joint task force to track him down. After extensive intelligence gathering, the investigative team located his hideout and, in a raid conducted in November, arrested Mr. A along with five members of the organization.

Of these, two individuals were already extradited to Korea in February and March, while the remaining two are currently being held at a Philippine immigration detention center awaiting deportation.

The police stated, "This is a result of international joint investigations against a large-scale overseas fraud organization," and added, "We will continue to pursue the remaining accomplices until they are brought to justice."