ㅣ '17-Year-Old' Minor Arrested for Producing Sexual Exploitation Material Targeting Children and Adolescents 'Shocking'

A perpetrator who approached peer females on Instagram, claiming to "inform them of the deepfake video distributor," has been arrested for producing sexual exploitation material.

The perpetrator, using the nickname 'Pandora,' has been identified as a 17-year-old male, adding to the shock of the case.

On the 29th, the Seoul Cyber Investigation Unit announced that they have arrested and transferred a 17-year-old male, referred to as A, who is accused of producing 34 cases of sexual exploitation material targeting 19 female victims in their early teens, possessing 81 illegal recordings, and 1,832 false videos (deepfake videos).

According to police, A began approaching early teenage female students via SNS, including Instagram, starting in July of last year until his arrest on the 19th, claiming, "Your deepfake video is being distributed on Telegram, and I can inform you of the distributor."

Subsequently, he lured the victims to Telegram, falsely promising to verify the existence of deepfake images if they sent body photos or money, and then extorted them for nude photos obtained through this deceit.

The photos received were produced into sexual exploitation material and misused for additional crimes.

Additionally, A reportedly instructed victims to find or entice others by saying, "If you lure 5 people, I will set you free."

The police also arrested three accomplices, including B (16), who were found to be victims of sexual exploitation material before getting involved in the crimes.

While A's methods are similar to those of Kim Nok-wan (33), the leader of the Telegram 'vigilante group' arrested in January, it has been confirmed that there is no special relationship between the two.

Meanwhile, the police are providing comprehensive support services for victim protection, including writing pseudonymous statements, personal protection, and psychological counseling.

A Seoul police official stated, "Cyber sexual violence can completely ruin a victim's life; it is a crime of social and personal murder." He emphasized that not only producers and distributors but also those in possession of or viewing such material would be regarded as complicit in this serious crime. He pledged a zero-tolerance approach to cyber sexual violence offenders.

He further urged, "If you are a victim, do not hesitate to inform the investigative authorities or relevant counseling agencies about your experiences."

Image Source: Materials for the understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank, photo=Seoul Police Agency