Scenes of detectives throwing themselves to arrest a voice phishing cash mule have been released, drawing attention online. Internet users are reacting by saying, "Tax money should be spent on police officers like that," and "We saw a true police officer of this era."
On the 13th, the Korean National Police Agency's YouTube channel, "Korean National Police Agency," posted a video titled "Real-life seven times down, eight times up (七顚八起)." The video captured the arrest during a voice phishing case that occurred on Mar. 10.
According to the video, Taebaek Police Station in Gangwon received a tip from a citizen that "a malicious app was installed on a mobile phone." After meeting the tipster, detectives learned that a voice phishing cash mule would arrive that day, and detectives with a combined 20 years on the job conducted a stakeout for about three hours to make the arrest.
While on the stakeout, the detectives spotted a man getting out of a taxi and heading to the agreed-upon location, a dwellings mailbox. The voice phishing cash mule took out a card containing 50 million won at the pickup spot and left the scene.
The detectives immediately began the chase, and when one detective lunged and grabbed the mule's leg, the man fell straight to the ground. But the mule got back up and tried to flee again, and the detective, whose shoe had come off, continued the pursuit barefoot and ultimately succeeded in making the arrest.
During the arrest, the detective reportedly sustained injuries bad enough to draw blood on both knees and hands. One sleeve of the jumper worn at the time was also torn.
Police seized three mobile phones, cash in a money envelope, and three types of cards from the arrested mule in their 20s. Police detained the man on charges of violating the Special Act on the Prevention of Loss Caused by Telecommunications-Based Financial Fraud and Refund for Loss and referred the case to prosecutors.
Internet users reacted by saying, "Looks like a real-life Ma Dong-seok," "This is what real police are," "Seeing blood streaming from the knees makes me feel bad. Wishing a speedy recovery," and "A true guardian of the people. Thank you."