Skip to content
Key Arrests in Major Voice Phishing Operation Linked to China

Key Arrests in Major Voice Phishing Operation Linked to China

First seen 28 Oct 2026, 07:48 UTC • •
API

Article Content

Browse articles
ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 28, 2026 at 12:10 UTC
  • •Two suspects arrested in a major voice phishing operation linked to China.
  • •Suspect A defrauded victims of 1.5 billion won by impersonating financial institutions.
  • •Suspect B supplied malicious apps used in the scams, affecting 125 victims.

On October 28, 2026, the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced the arrest of two key suspects in a voice phishing operation based in China. The ringleader, identified as A, is accused of defrauding 1.5 billion won from 145 victims between June 2013 and July 2015 by posing as financial institutions. The second suspect, B, allegedly produced and supplied malicious apps that facilitated these scams, affecting 125 victims and resulting in 1 billion won in losses. Both suspects were tracked down through an international investigation under the 'Breaking Chains' operation, which has led to the arrest of 91 individuals involved in similar crimes since its inception. A was arrested in China and repatriated to South Korea in May 2026, while B voluntarily returned to South Korea in September 2026 and was subsequently arrested. The police emphasized the importance of caution when dealing with unknown apps related to financial transactions.

Start a free Starter trial for enhanced analysis

Ask AI about this cluster

Updated just now How this analysis works

Timeline

2021-08-01
Investigation into voice phishing ring begins
Police start tracking the organization linked to suspect A, leading to multiple arrests.
Mk.Co.Kr
2022-10-01
50 members arrested
During the investigation, 50 individuals associated with the voice phishing ring were arrested.
En.Sedaily
2026-01-05
Suspect A arrested in China
A was apprehended in China and later repatriated to South Korea in May 2026.
Mk.Co.Kr
2026-09-14
Suspect B voluntarily returns to South Korea
B entered South Korea voluntarily while under investigation and was arrested shortly after.
En.Sedaily
2026-10-28
Police announce arrests
The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency publicly announced the arrests of A and B, detailing their roles in the voice phishing operation.
Mk.Co.Kr

More articles in this cluster (2)

Extracted Entities (4)

1 / 2

Common questions

What were the roles of suspects A and B?
Suspect A led the voice phishing operation, while suspect B produced malicious apps used in the scams.
How much money was defrauded in total?
The total amount defrauded by suspect A was 1.5 billion won, while suspect B's activities resulted in 1 billion won in losses.
What is the 'Breaking Chains' operation?
Breaking Chains is an international cooperation operation aimed at tackling transnational crimes, including scams and human trafficking.