A team of scammers posing as government officials in Vietnam have been taken into custody by authorities after allegedly stealing around 24.3 billion won from small business owners in South Korea.
The Yeonsu Police Station in Incheon reported on the 13th that they have extradited and detained seven people, including a male leader in his 40s named A and members aged between 20 and 40, for alleged involvement in forming a criminal organization and committing fraud.
A and his associates are suspected of contacting small business owners in Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, from January of this year up to the present, posing as officials from local governments, military units, political parties, universities, and other organizations. They asked for proxy purchases of goods and stole around 24.3 billion won by convincing victims to transfer money to their accounts, claiming they would repay it later.
Studies showed that the suspects focused on goods like wine, suffocation blankets, fire extinguishers, scrap metal, burger patties, and hand warmers. More than 630 victims were found.
The police stated that the group took advantage of the high credibility of public institutions and the challenges small business owners encounter when declining big orders.
In February, officials initiated an investigation and worked alongside the National Intelligence Service and Vietnamese legal authorities to capture all members, including A, and deport them back to South Korea. Additionally, three South Korean citizens who had fled the group were also safely returned home.
Law enforcement intends to locate and retrieve assets concealed by A and his team.
A law enforcement representative said, “Government agencies or businesses never ask for proxy purchases or upfront payments. If you get such calls, be suspicious of fraud and check the details with the appropriate authority.”
jasdooit 
Leave a comment