Pickpocket Caught in Jeju: Chinese Tourist Steals Wallet, Makes Large Purchases

Pickpocketing Spree at Large Stores and Traditional Markets in Jeju
Prearranged Scheme with Overseas Broker... Nine Victims Identified

A Chinese man who entered Jeju Island without a visa was arrested by police after committing pickpocketing crimes at large stores and traditional markets crowded with people at the end of the year.

Image to aid understanding of the article about pickpocketing. Getty Images

On December 30, the Jeju Eastern Police Station announced that it had detained a Chinese man in his 30s, identified as A, on charges of theft and violation of the Specialized Credit Finance Business Act. A is accused of entering Jeju through the visa-free program on December 22 and, starting the next day, stealing mobile phones, wallets, and other belongings from tourists and citizens in the Dongmun Traditional Market and large retail areas of Jeju City.

According to a JIBS report, at around 6:11 p.m. on Christmas Day, December 25, CCTV footage at a large store in downtown Jeju captured A closely approaching a female customer from behind as she was about to pay for her items. It was found that A pretended to adjust his clothing and used a scarf to cover his hand, stealing her wallet in less than 10 seconds.

While the victim was unaware of the theft, about 20 minutes later, a total of approximately 3.1 million won was charged to her card. The transaction was traced to an overseas broker based in Vietnam. Investigations revealed that A had conspired in advance with this overseas broker, whom he had met through social networking services (SNS), to split the criminal proceeds.

After several days of committing these crimes, A was apprehended at the scene by police who responded to a tourist's report of being pickpocketed at Dongmun Market on December 26. So far, a total of nine victims have been identified, most of whom are women, elderly individuals, and tourists.

Initially denying the charges, A later admitted, "I intended to sell the stolen items in China to raise money."

The police plan to conclude their investigation of A soon and refer him to the prosecution under detention. A police official advised, "Please be cautious of pickpocketing, where thieves pretend to bump into you in crowded places to steal your belongings."