Police launch full-scale probe into suspected revenge-for-hire groups

Police have launched a full-scale preliminary investigation into groups suspected of operating private revenge-for-hire services, which have recently proliferated online. 

“We have been conducting intensive monitoring through the cyber analysis team as numerous advertisements for vigilante retaliation services have been posted online,” said Park Jeong-bo, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, on Monday.

“We have identified two operations strongly suspected of involvement in crimes and are conducting a preliminary investigation before formal charges.”

Police are analyzing advertisements posted on platforms including Facebook, Google, DC Inside and Telegram to determine whether the operations are simple scams or actual criminal organizations.

Park also made clear that not only the masterminds and perpetrators, but also those who commission the crimes, would face severe punishment.

“We plan to conduct a thorough investigation on everyone involved in revenge-for-hire crimes, including those who provide information, those who carry out the acts on site and those who commission them, viewing them all as accomplices and members of criminal organizations,” Park said.

“Even making a request alone can result in a heavy sentence, and people may also end up being scammed out of money instead,” Park added, urging the public to take caution.

Several operatives linked to revenge-for-hire organizations have recently been apprehended.

The Guro Police Precinct in western Seoul arrested a person on Friday on charges, including intimidation and trespassing. In Incheon, another person, who allegedly committed crimes while disguised as a quick delivery worker, was taken into emergency arrest on Saturday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is also investigating a group accused of infiltrating the food delivery platform Baedal Minjok, also known as Baemin, under false pretenses, stealing customers’ personal information and using it to carry out revenge crimes. The case was transferred from Yangcheon Police Precinct last month.

Police are also expanding the investigation after uncovering signs that personal information may have been leaked from public institutions and financial companies.

President Lee Jae Myung also addressed the issue through social media on Friday, saying, “Private revenge-for-hire crimes are serious offenses for both those who commission them and those who carry them out,” while calling for a firm response.

A total of 69 suspected revenge-for-hire crimes had been identified by mid-May, with 50 people arrested, including three alleged ringleaders, according to a report released by President Lee.

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 KO SEUNG-PYO [[email protected]]