The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. File. Photo by Asia Today
May 21 (Asia Today) -- South Korean police said Thursday they have effectively dismantled a hacking ring accused of targeting celebrities and wealthy individuals, including BTS member Jungkook and corporate leaders, through cloned SIM cards and illegally opened mobile phone accounts.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's cyber investigation unit said a Chinese national identified only as A, accused of leading the group, will be referred to prosecutors Friday while in custody on 18 charges, including violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes.
Police plan to refer two alleged ringleaders and 32 members of the organization to prosecutors.
The group is accused of stealing financial assets from prominent figures and wealthy individuals between May 2022 and April 2025 by cloning SIM cards or opening mobile phone accounts under victims' names. Police said the group targeted people who were in prison, serving in the military or otherwise unable to quickly detect or respond to the crimes.
