**214 Operators of 'Gyeobjibang' Distributing Deepfake Sexual Exploitation Material Arrested**

A large number of operators and participants of the so-called 'Gyeobjibang', who exploited deepfake technology to produce and distribute sexual exploitation material, have been uncovered.

The Daejeon Police Agency announced that they have transferred four operators of 'Gyeobjibang', including a minor A (teenager), and seven producers of sexual exploitation material, including a minor B (teenager), to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Youth Protection Act and the Sexual Violence Punishment Act. Additionally, 203 individuals, including a minor C (teenager), have been referred to the prosecution for purchasing or distributing sexual exploitation material through the Telegram chatrooms they operated, under violations of the Youth Protection Act.

From July last year, they operated a chatroom called 'Gyeobjibang', sharing sexual exploitation material synthesized using deepfake artificial intelligence (AI) with photos of acquaintances.

Gyeobjibang was a chatroom where sexual videos were created using photos of known acquaintances, and it was reported that a total of 15,752 individuals participated in the chatroom, with a total of 36,086 pieces of sexual exploitation material shared, including photos of celebrities, school alumni, and acquaintances.

According to the police, the age distribution of the 214 individuals transferred shows 145 were teenagers, 57 were in their 20s, 9 were in their 30s, and 3 were in their 40s, with 94.4% being teenagers and individuals in their 20s.

The police formed a special investigation team in August last year and conducted concentrated crackdowns for approximately seven months, identifying chatroom participants through international cooperation and digital forensics.

The police have implemented victim protection measures, including the documentation of pseudonyms and linking with the Digital Sexual Crime Victim Support Center, while also completing the closure of Gyeobjibang.

A police official emphasized, "Even producing or possessing deepfake sexual exploitation material out of mere curiosity or as a joke will lead to severe punishment," adding, "We will eradicate digital sexual crimes through continuous monitoring and preventive education."

Image source: Reference photo for better understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank