The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Cybercrime Investigation Unit announced on Thursday the arrest of 14 members, including a 33-year-old ringleader who allegedly founded the Telegram network in May 2020, as reported by The Straits Times.
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A person using Telegram app. Photo by Pexels |
An additional 73 individuals are linked to the crimes; of these, 40 are under investigation, one has been arrested, and the rest are being tracked.
The group utilized deepfake technology to create fake pornographic content involving both male and female victims.
Among the 234 victims, 159 were teenagers. 10 minors were raped, filmed, and subjected to further abuse by the ringleader.
Operating under the name "the vigilantes," the group maintained a hierarchical structure, incentivizing members to recruit new victims and share exploitative material.
They approached victims on Telegram, gathered personal information, and threatened to release it unless victims complied.
Victims endured gaslighting, coercion, and threats of additional exploitation.