"Claimed Connections with Foreign Officials" – 9.6 Billion Won Fraud Suspect Apprehended While Jaywalking

[Financial News] A man in his seventies, who deceived investors out of 9.6 billion won by claiming to have close ties with foreign government officials, was apprehended by police while jaywalking.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) Mobile Patrol Unit announced on the 28th that it had arrested Mr. A, a man in his seventies wanted for a multi-victim fraud case totaling 9.6 billion won.
According to the police, on the afternoon of the 20th, the Mobile Patrol Unit was patrolling near Daerim Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu when they spotted Mr. A attempting to jaywalk across a four-lane road. Officers tried to stop him using the vehicle’s loudspeaker, but Mr. A ignored the warning and moved into an alley. The officers followed and requested identification.
Mr. A refused to show identification, insisting, "I am a U.S. citizen," and tried to leave the scene. However, after persistent questioning, police discovered that he was a wanted suspect with an arrest warrant issued for two charges, including fraud under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes.
From 2021 to 2023, Mr. A operated a forum and deceived victims by claiming to have connections with African government officials, ultimately defrauding them of a total of 9.629 billion won over 292 instances. He had been on the run for nearly a year since 2023.
An official from the SMPA stated, "The Mobile Patrol Unit’s detailed foot patrols and checks on suspicious individuals in crowded and crime-prone areas have helped preempt criminal activity and led to the apprehension of wanted suspects." The official added, "We will continue to strengthen preventive patrols in areas at risk for serious crimes, such as relationship-based crimes and those with abnormal motives, and do our utmost to enhance public safety."
Previously, in August, the Mobile Patrol Unit also apprehended a suspect wanted for a 17.7 billion won multi-victim cryptocurrency fraud, who had attempted to discard a cigarette butt and flee the scene near Sillim Station.
jyseo@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yoon Reporter