Korea Cracks Down on Illegal Sale of Intimate Videos from Hacked IP Cameras

The Korean National Police have apprehended four suspects believed to be involved in hacking more than 120,000 IP cameras in various locations across the country and then distributing the stolen footage to a foreign adult website.

Although the identities of the suspects and the specific websites involved have not been disclosed, authorities are actively pursuing legal action against individuals who have accessed the illicit content, as well as the operators of the website, with the help of international cooperation.

According to a statement from the National Office of Investigation, the four suspects were arrested for hacking into IP cameras installed in private residences and commercial establishments, selling the compromised videos on an illegal overseas platform. Investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute not only the website operators but also those who have purchased or viewed the illegal content.

The suspects, identified as Suspects B, C, D, and E, engaged in extensive hacking activities, with each individual responsible for thousands of camera intrusions and the production of illegal material. Suspect B, who is unemployed, hacked 63,000 IP cameras and generated 545 illicit videos, earning virtual assets valued at 35 million KRW. Similarly, Suspect C, an office worker, hacked 70,000 cameras and produced 648 illegal videos, earning 18 million KRW in virtual assets. Suspect D, self-employed, hacked 15,000 cameras and produced illegal content involving minors, while Suspect E, another office worker, hacked 136 cameras.

The investigation revealed that suspects B and C contributed the majority of content to the illegal website, which specializes in voyeuristic and sexual exploitation material. Three individuals who purchased such content have already been arrested and face potential imprisonment. Authorities are working with international partners to identify the website operators and shut down the platform.

A total of 58 locations affected by the hacking incident have been identified, and users have been advised to update their passwords and submit takedown requests as necessary. The police have assured swift action against any further harm to the victims.

Director Park Woo-hyun of the National Police Agency’s Cyber Investigation Policy emphasized that viewing or possessing illegal sexual exploitation videos is a serious offense and will be prosecuted vigorously.

To prevent similar incidents, users of IP cameras are encouraged to change default passwords, restrict remote access when not in use, and install the latest firmware updates.

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