Police arrest 27 members of voice phishing and drug trafficking criminal network

Police said Wednesday they arrested 27 members of a criminal voice phishing ring who were also accused of involvement in drug trafficking scams. Among them, 17 suspects, including the head of the Korea-based criminal network, were arrested, according to the Dongdaemun Police Station.

Police said it was the first time they had apprehended a criminal voice phishing ring also engaged in drug trafficking.

The voice phishing network was established in May last year and is accused of installing and operating 580 repeaters, which are devices commonly used for telephone scams aimed at changing calling numbers. The police have been investigating this case since last June.

The suspects allegedly pocketed around 1.1 billion won ($800,000) from 81 victims through voice phishing using methods including impersonating investigating authorities.

Police also identified another leader of the voice phishing ring as a Korean man in his 30s currently based in the Philippines. The overseas leader allegedly ordered the Korean leader and other members to distribute drugs since last November. The suspects allegedly smuggled drugs from the Philippines and left them in designated locations for their online customers to collect.

Authorities have asked Interpol to issue a red notice for the person responsible abroad.

The criminal network is accused of drug trafficking worth 2.9 billion won, or 5.77 kilograms (12.7 pounds), including ecstasy and ketamine. Police said this quantity could provide approximately 190,000 doses, assuming 0.03 grams per dose.

During the investigation, police confiscated 860 grams of methamphetamine, 1,193 grams of ketamine and 252 ecstasy pills, with a total value of around 980 million won.

“Unlike in the past, the purchase of drugs can now be carried out using methods other than face-to-face, similar to voice phishing,” police said, referring to the so-called toss method, whereby Buyers collect drugs left at a designated location.

“It seems that this is the reason why such a case involving two different crimes emerged.”

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [[email protected]]