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South Korea Arrests Four in Massive IP‑Camera Sex Exploitation Hack

Authorities say weak IP‑camera passwords enabled the intrusions, with an overseas site now targeted for shutdown.

Overview

  • Police say more than 120,000 internet‑connected cameras in homes and small businesses were compromised to create videos sold or shared on an overseas platform.
  • Two suspects allegedly breached about 63,000 and 70,000 devices, producing 545 and 648 videos and receiving roughly ₩35 million and ₩18 million in virtual assets.
  • Officials say the four acted independently; three suspects remain in custody on hacking and exploitation charges, one was released, and one case involves material of children that was stored, not sold.
  • Investigators have notified victims at 58 locations, assisted with password changes and content removal, and warned that viewing or possessing the illicit footage is a crime.
  • Police are working with foreign agencies to identify the site operator and block access, while the Science Ministry is reviewing rules to require strong passwords on home cameras.