Two Vishing Cash Mules Arrested at Gangdong District Bank; Entire Stolen Amount Recovered

The Seoul Gangdong Police Station announced on the 22nd that on September 30, two cash mules were apprehended at a bank in Gangdong District under suspicion of involvement in a voice phishing (vishing) scheme. The entire amount of stolen funds was recovered, and the bank employees who contributed to this outcome were awarded certificates of appreciation and rewards.
According to police, around noon that day, a man in his 50s, identified as Mr. A, requested to exchange the full 12 million won deposited in his account into US dollars. Bank staff found his responses suspicious and immediately requested a payment hold from headquarters while reporting the situation to the 112 Police Emergency Number. Investigation revealed that the depositor was a victim of a loan scam, and Mr. A was arrested as a cash mule for a telecommunications financial fraud scheme.
At around 2 p.m. the same day, a woman in her 20s, identified as Ms. B, asked to exchange 11 million won into US dollars. Although she claimed it was for a trip to Japan, her suspicious behavior prompted the bank staff to request a payment hold and contact the 112 Police Emergency Number. Ms. B also did not know the depositor, and police confirmed and arrested her as a cash mule for a telecommunications financial fraud scheme.
Both incidents occurred at the same bank within a two-hour window, but the suspects were not acquainted with each other. Police explained that the prompt action of the bank employees, who followed the cooperation manual and reported immediately, enabled the full recovery of the stolen funds.
This case is seen as evidence of the effectiveness of the vishing prevention efforts that Seoul Gangdong Police Station has implemented in stages since the beginning of the year. The police have continued activities such as public awareness campaigns for financial institutions, distributing anti-phishing leaflets, and establishing a hotline with banks.
Kim Byung-joo, chief of Seoul Gangdong Police Station, stated, "Thanks to the proactive response of the bank staff, the suspects were apprehended and the stolen funds were fully recovered." He emphasized, "In any situation suspected of vishing, it is crucial to report to the 112 Police Emergency Number or visit the nearest police station."
yesji@fnnews.com Kim Ye-ji Reporter