South Korean police have arrested a series of individuals suspected of acting as hired agents and carrying out what authorities describe as “private revenge” attacks, involving vandalism and threatening behavior directed at private residences.
S. Korean police arrest officers in series of ‘private revenge’ vandalism cases
The most recent arrest was reportedly made on March 1 by the Suwon District Court, which issued an arrest warrant for a man in his 20s identified only as Im on charges of property damage and criminal trespass.
Prosecutors say that on the evening of February 22, the suspect entered an apartment building in Dongtan New City, Gyeonggi Province, where he allegedly sprayed red lacquer on the front door of a resident’s house and scattered trash on the floor.
Police say the suspect also distributed dozens of leaflets defaming the alleged victim and scattered feces at the scene.
Police say they are looking for leads on who or what network may have given instructions to the group through the encrypted messaging app Telegram, suggesting an organized effort behind the vandalism. All suspects arrested so far have reportedly told investigators that they were paid between 500,000 and 1,000,000 won (about $380 to $760) in cryptocurrency for committing the acts.
Previous arrests include another man in his 20s, arrested after he entered a multi-family house in Sanbon-dong, Gunpo City, on February 24, and sprayed the front door with hairspray while leaving threatening documents.
Prosecutors said the suspect’s behavior and documentation suggested coordination with others giving instructions.
Authorities are also looking into a December incident in Pyeongtaek involving similar criminal behavior. Police have linked this and recent cases to overlapping methods and continue to investigate possible links and higher-level coordinators.
Officials say these crimes illustrate how social media and encrypted platforms can be misused to organize and encourage harassment, and they are committed to tracking down those orchestrating the campaign.