With two Chinese nationals arrested as suspects in the unauthorized KT micro-payment incident, the police plan to focus their investigation on how they conspired with the "higher-ups" believed to have orchestrated the crimes.

As the arrested suspects claim they only followed instructions to transport illegal mini base stations or to cash out gift certificates obtained through micro-payments, the investigation will likely center on tracking down the actual perpetrators who planned and executed the crimes.

Chinese national A (left) and B, suspects in the KT unauthorized micro-payment incident, are seen leaving the Suwon Yeongtong Police Station detention center on September 18 to attend their warrant examination. Yonhap News.

The Cyber Investigation Division of the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency is continuing its investigation into the background of suspect A (48), a Korean-Chinese national, who was arrested the previous day on charges of violating the Information and Communications Network Act (infringement) and fraud using computer devices.

The investigation is expected to focus on how suspect A met with the main perpetrator, who has not yet been apprehended, to form a conspiracy, and how they communicated and committed the crimes thereafter.

Previously, when asked by reporters about his methods as he entered the Ansan Branch of the Suwon District Court for his pre-arrest warrant hearing, suspect A replied, "I did as I was told."

It is reported that he also stated during police questioning, "I committed the crime under the instructions of higher-ups in China," and "I met them recently in China."

Based on suspect A's statements and various evidence, the police believe the "higher-ups" are currently residing in China.

However, as the identities of these higher-ups have not yet been identified, it is expected to take some time to confirm specific details such as how they planned the crimes and whether there were other accomplices or behind-the-scenes criminal organizations involved.

Furthermore, suspect A, who lacks knowledge of wireless communications, is understood to have driven around the crime areas with illegal mini base stations loaded in a van according to instructions. Clarifying how unauthorized micro-payments were possible through this method is also expected to be a key focus of the investigation.

The police are also continuing their investigation into suspect B (44), also a Korean-Chinese national, who was arrested along with suspect A on charges of fraud using computer devices and violation of the Act on the Regulation and Punishment of Economic Crimes involving the Concealment of Criminal Proceeds.

Goo Jae-hyung, head of KT's Network Technology Division, briefs reporters at a press conference on KT's response to micro-payment damages held at the KT Gwanghwamun Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on September 18. Yonhap News. 

Suspect B was responsible for cashing out the mobile gift certificates obtained through unauthorized payments and is understood to be a complete stranger to suspect A.

Therefore, whether suspect B conspired and received instructions through the same higher-ups as suspect A, or if they were involved through other accomplices, is also a matter requiring investigation.

If they received instructions from the same individuals, identifying their common methods of contact, frequency, and communication channels is expected to provide clues for tracking down the higher-ups.

It also remains unclear exactly when they began their criminal activities.

KT announced in a follow-up statement yesterday that the number of victims in this micro-payment incident is 362, with damages totaling approximately 240 million won. This figure was compiled from an investigation of 22.67 million automatic response system (ARS) calls for micro-payments made in the last three months, and the damages could increase as the scope of the investigation expands.

Additionally, two more illegal mini base stations, suspected to have been used in the crime, were discovered, bringing the total number involved to four.

Therefore, it is also necessary to determine when suspect A and others began their criminal activities, and whether there were other suspects besides suspect A who transported illegal mini base stations.

A police official stated, "We are analyzing the illegal mini base stations used in the crime and investigating the methods," adding, "As the investigation is ongoing, it is difficult to disclose specific details."

Yonhap News