Police bust Thailand-based phishing ring involving nude-photo extortion

Thailand-based voice phishing ring responsible for swindling 6.7 billion won ($4.73 million) from 68 South Korean victims has been dismantled by police. The 11-member gang, led by a 29-year-old South Korean, has been arrested and referred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, with nine apprehended on Dec. 4 last year. Frozen are 157 million won in criminal profits.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 30, allegedly impersonated Financial Supervisory Service and prosecution officials, demanding nude photos from victims between May and December last year. Using the photos, they produced sexual exploitation materials and extorted the money under the guise of a court deposit for victim compensation. The ring, initially composed of 24 members including 20 South Koreans and four Chinese nationals, set up a call center in Bangkok and divided roles among members.

Victims were tricked into believing arrest warrants had been issued for involvement in money laundering and prostitution, and subsequently sent nude photos, resulting in 68 victims remitting a total of 6.7 billion won. The largest loss amounted to 500 million won. Thai police jointly apprehended the suspects on Dec. 4 last year, with ongoing investigations targeting nine South Korean members who fled to Thailand.