Incheon police arrest person for carrying out retaliation for money

A person was arrested Saturday for receiving money from a third party to carry out retaliation against a targeted individual.

Authorities are investigating the suspect on charges of property damage and trespassing, according to the Incheon Seobu Police Precinct. 

The suspect is accused of pouring paint and throwing food items, including eggs, at the front door of an apartment unit in Incheon at around 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday. 

Police tracked the suspect and arrested them at their home in Cheonan, South Chungcheong, at around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday. The suspect posed as a courier delivery worker during Wednesday's incident.

Investigators found that the suspect carried out the retaliation after receiving a 300,000 won ($200) down payment through Telegram.

Police believe someone with a personal grievance against the victim paid for the act and are investigating who ordered it as well as possible accomplices.

The victim has reportedly not suffered financial fraud, unlike other victims in similar cases. 

“Investigators are reviewing whether to add criminal threats charges while identifying the person who made the request,” a police representative said. “Police also plan to seek an arrest warrant for the suspect after further investigation.”

President Lee Jae Myung also posted a report on the case on his social media account on Friday, issuing a strong warning against these schemes.

“Paid revenge is a serious crime for both the person who orders it and the person who carries it out,” Lee said. “In a modern civilized country, private disputes must be resolved under the rule of law. Do not ruin your life over trivial matters.”

Paid revenge crimes organized through Telegram first appeared in Daegu in August of last year and authorities have arrested 50 suspects in related cases as of Friday, according to a report shared by Lee. 

Over in Seo District, Incheon, police also arrested two men on Jan. 16 for carrying out similar acts for money, including throwing human waste at a residence.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.

BY JANG GU-SEUL [[email protected]]