The police reported that they apprehended 27 overseas technology leak cases last year and confiscated crime proceeds amounting to 6.5 billion won.
According to data released by the Korean National Police Agency on the 13th, out of the 27 cases, 20 were leaks to China, accounting for 74%. The United States (3 cases) and Japan, Vietnam, Germany, and Iran (1 case each) followed behind China.
By technology, there were ▲9 cases related to semiconductors ▲8 related to displays ▲3 related to electrical and electronic devices ▲2 related to information and communication ▲1 case each related to automotive, railroads, shipbuilding, biotechnology, machinery, and others.
Among the 27 cases, 11 leaks of national core technologies directly related to national security were identified. National core technologies refer to those with high technological and economic value related to key domestic industries, such as semiconductors and automobiles, and their leakage abroad could adversely affect national security and the economy. The number of national core technology leaks surged from 1 case in 2021, 4 cases in 2022, and 2 cases in 2023 to 11 cases last year.
The national investigation agency stated that after identifying the payments and expenses received for leaking national core technologies last year, they recovered over 6.5 billion won in crime proceeds through pre-indictment confiscation and preservation procedures in 8 cases. This included 2.1 billion won related to a group that photographed trade secrets of a chemical company in September and used it for a technology transfer contract with a Chinese company, including automobiles, deposits, and stocks.
The national investigation agency noted, "The detection of 11 cases of national core technology leaks this year is the highest since the agency's establishment," and stated that they will strengthen cooperation with relevant organizations and enhance efforts to crack down on technology leaks. They also mentioned that they will consider the introduction of undercover investigations in the field of technology leaks and continue cooperation with overseas organizations, including the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).