Prosecutors Seek 8-Year Prison Term for "Ma Dongseok Team" Voice Phishing Member

Prosecutors have requested an eight-year prison sentence for a member of a voice phishing ring that operated out of Cambodia under the direction of its leader, known as "Ma Dongseok."

Seoul Eastern District Court building. Photo by Yonhap News

On October 21, during the sentencing hearing for Jeong (age 26) on charges of joining a criminal organization at the Seoul Eastern District Court's Criminal Division 15 (Presiding Judge Kim Yanghun), prosecutors requested an eight-year prison term and the forfeiture of 17,469,900 won.

According to prosecutors, Jeong is accused of working for the "Hanya Call Center," a voice phishing organization established by a foreign ringleader who goes by the name Ma Dongseok, and defrauding six victims of approximately 300 million won.

During his final statement, Jeong reportedly said, "I would like to apologize to the victims," and added, "I participated in the crime and have come to realize deeply that this is an unforgivable offense."

The sentencing for Jeong is scheduled for October 31 at 2:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the court sentenced Seo, another member of the organization, to six years in prison on October 17. In August, two other members, Shin and Na, received sentences of four years and one year and six months, respectively. In January, member Kim was sentenced to three years and six months in prison..