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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] JEJU, South Korea — A 30-year-old Chinese national, identified as Mr. A, has been arrested and detained by the Jeju Dongbu Police Station on charges of theft and violation of the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act. The suspect reportedly utilized Jeju’s visa-free entry program to carry out a series of pickpocketing crimes.
According to police reports on the 30th, Mr. A entered Jeju on December 22 under the visa-free policy. Starting the following day, he began stealing mobile phones and wallets from tourists at popular locations, including the Dongmun Traditional Market.
CCTV footage from a large retail store on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) captured a striking scene: Mr. A approached a female customer from behind, concealed his hand with a scarf while pretending to adjust his clothes, and stole her wallet in less than 10 seconds.
Within 20 minutes of the theft, approximately 3.1 million KRW was charged to the victim’s card. There were also failed attempts to process transactions exceeding 10 million KRW.
The investigation revealed a sophisticated criminal link. The unauthorized transactions were processed through an overseas broker based in Vietnam, whom Mr. A had contacted via social media. The two had allegedly conspired to split the illicit proceeds.
Mr. A was apprehended in the act on December 26 at Dongmun Market following a report from a tourist. So far, police have identified nine victims, primarily women, senior citizens, and tourists.
While he initially denied the allegations, Mr. A eventually confessed, stating, "I intended to raise money by selling the stolen goods back in China." The police plan to refer him to the prosecution for indictment while in custody.
알파경제 Kim Jisun (stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
