Police Launch Special Voluntary Surrender and Reporting Period for Overseas Kidnapping, Confinement, and Phishing Crimes

Up to 500 Million Won Reward Offered

The National Office of Investigation at the Korean National Police Agency announced on October 15 that it will operate a special voluntary surrender and reporting period for suspected overseas kidnapping, confinement, and phishing crimes until the end of this year.

During this special period, all reports of overseas kidnapping and confinement will be transferred to dedicated investigation teams at each provincial police agency. The police plan to strengthen efforts to protect Korean nationals who have been kidnapped or confined in Southeast Asia and to crack down on phishing organizations based overseas.

If individuals voluntarily surrender and provide information about accomplices or other members of criminal organizations during this period, the authorities will actively consider leniency within the bounds of the law when determining sentences. Those who contribute to the arrest of criminals may be awarded up to 500 million won in rewards.

Voluntary surrender, reporting, and tip-offs can be made through the police’s main number, 112, or at any provincial police agency, police station, or precinct nationwide. There are no restrictions on how to surrender-individuals may do so in person, by phone, or through family members or acquaintances. Those involved in voice phishing or the distribution and use of fraudulent bank accounts may also surrender to the government’s joint investigation team for voice phishing crimes.

Park Sungjoo, Commissioner of the National Office of Investigation, stated, “Victims who lose all their assets to phishing crimes live in pain for the rest of their lives,” and urged, “If you suspect kidnapping, confinement, or disappearance in Southeast Asian countries, please make sure to report it to the police.”