Mastermind Behind 38 Billion Won Hacking Scheme That Targeted BTS's Jung Kook Extradited; "Warrant Request Planned" [Roundup]

[Financial News] A man identified as A, believed to be the mastermind behind a hacking ring that broke into multiple websites, including mobile virtual network operator sites, and siphoned about 38 billion won from victims' bank deposits and virtual asset accounts, was extradited from Bangkok, Thailand, to Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 13th. Investigators also found that A used the names of wealthy Koreans, including BTS's Jung Kook.
The Ministry of Justice said it worked closely with the Korean National Police Agency to carry out a joint Interpol operation, arresting A in Thailand and bringing him back to Korea. Earlier, authorities had also arrested A's accomplice, B, in May last year and extradited him to Korea in August of the same year. B is now under detention and on trial.
A is accused of setting up a hacking network based in Thailand and other locations, then using illegally obtained personal information to steal large sums from victims' accounts from August 2023 to April last year. BTS's Jung Kook had his name stolen on a securities account, and HYBE shares worth 8.4 billion won were taken. However, the funds were frozen immediately, preventing any financial loss.
To secure the suspect's return, the Ministry of Justice requested emergency provisional arrest from Thai authorities in May last year and filed a formal extradition request in August. After extradition proceedings in Thailand, the Thai government approved the transfer, allowing the suspect to be brought back to Korea.
Emergency provisional arrest is a treaty-based measure that asks a foreign country to secure a suspect's custody before a formal extradition request is filed.
For a faster return, the Ministry of Justice sent a prosecutor and an investigator to Thailand in July last year to meet with officials from the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand and the police. From October through December, it also held frequent video conferences with the Thai prosecutor's office.
A ministry official said, "Based on close cooperation with the Korean National Police Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant agencies, we will continue to track down transnational crimes such as hacking and online fraud that threaten public safety, and respond firmly to them."
Police plan to question A and analyze seized evidence before requesting a warrant for his arrest. An official from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stressed, "Because this case has a major social impact, we will investigate it strictly."
hwlee@fnnews.com Lee Hwan-ju Reporter