A suspect at the center of the unauthorized KT micro-payment scheme appeared at Ansan Branch of Suwon District Court on September 18 for a pre-trial detention hearing, asserting to reporters, "I just did as I was told" when questioned about the nature of the crimes.

The suspect, a 48-year-old ethnic Chinese national identified as A, was asked by reporters how he obtained victim's personal information and why he targeted the metropolitan area. To each question, he responded, "I just did as I was told." When pressed about who gave the orders, he reiterated, "I don't know. I simply followed instructions."

A, along with another suspect B, 44, accused of converting criminal proceeds into cash, left Suwon Yeongtong Police Station for court at around 8:40 a.m. Both largely remained silent as reporters questioned them during their transfer. A kept his head down, wearing a black cap, while B did not answer inquiries regarding prior telecommunications work or conspiracy with A.

Investigators revealed that while A is fluent in Korean, B does not speak the language at all. After completing the hearing, both suspects were slated to return to the police detention center to await the court’s decision on their arrest warrants, expected by the evening or by the following morning at the latest.

A is accused of using illegal portable base station equipment from late last month to early this month, concealed in a van, to hack the mobile phones of KT users in specific metropolitan areas. He allegedly made unauthorized micro-payments, such as purchasing mobile gift cards and recharging transit cards. B is under suspicion for converting the illicit proceeds into cash.

Police arrested A at Incheon International Airport and B in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, on September 16, requesting detention warrants the following day. During questioning, A reportedly confessed to acting on the orders of an individual named C, identified as a higher-up based in China. A shared details about C’s identity and confirmed a recent meeting with him in China. Although C’s exact identity remains unknown, police suspect the mastermind behind the operation is located in China.

The investigation began after residents of Soha-dong, Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, reported unauthorized micro-payment withdrawals from their mobile phones during the early hours between August 27 and 31. The case was first publicized in the media on September 4, and similar reports soon surfaced from Geumcheon District in Seoul, Bupyeong District in Incheon, and the cities of Bucheon and Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province.

As of September 15, police recorded roughly 200 cases amounting to approximately 120 million won (about 90,000 USD) in losses. However, KT reported a slightly higher figure: 278 cases and losses totaling 170 million won (about 128,000 USD). Authorities expect the final number of victims and total losses may continue to rise.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News