Two alleged porn site operators arrested upon returning to Korea

Two alleged operators of an adult website that distributed illegally filmed sexual footage were arrested upon arriving in Korea after months abroad, police said Monday.

The two suspects, one of whom was identified only by their surname Ahn, were arrested by cybercrime investigators from the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency at around 6 a.m. Monday upon their arrival at Incheon International Airport.

According to police, the two left for Thailand after authorities launched an investigation into the website in December. After their passports were invalidated, the suspects informed investigators, through their legal representatives, that they intended to voluntarily return to Korea.

Police said they plan to question the suspects over their specific roles in operating the site, known as AVMOV.

Launched in August 2022, the website had more than 540,000 registered users and allegedly operated by allowing users to upload secretly filmed videos of acquaintances, partners and family members or download illegal sexual content using paid points.

Internet users in Korea are currently blocked from accessing AVMOV.  

Police have identified a total of nine people believed to be part of the site’s management and booked them on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

Authorities said they are analyzing computers and other evidence seized during raids on the homes of five of the suspects. A separate suspect is expected to be questioned in the coming days.

Another suspect remains at large overseas.

Police said they are continuing to pursue the remaining suspect, who is still believed to be abroad, through diplomatic and other measures.

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 CHO MUN-KYU [[email protected]]