Internet scam ring arrested for defrauding 31 women
The police said the suspects adopted various fake online identities to gain the victims’ trust and eventually establish a relationship with them online.
Police in Seoul reported on Thursday that a total of 12 foreign nationals had been arrested on charges of defrauding female victims in internet romance schemes.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA), the suspects are accused of committing wire fraud totaling 3.7 billion won (US$2.8 million) against 31 victims between November 2021 and October 2018.
The police said the suspects adopted various fake online identities to gain the victims' trust and eventually establish a relationship with them online.
On one occasion, the scammers allegedly posed as American doctors or soldiers dispatched to Ukraine to manipulate the vulnerable victims, mostly middle-aged women, the police said.
Once the suspects ingratiated themselves with the women, they then allegedly concocted stories about why they needed money and asked for it, the SMPA said.
SMPA also alleged that the suspects were part of a scam ring based in African nations, including Nigeria and Mali.