South Korean police arrest seven in AI-powered data theft

• South Korean police arrested seven suspects over an alleged AI-assisted hacking campaign targeting more than 90 organisations.
• Investigators say the group stole 8.2 million records and demanded 360 million won in extortion payments.
• The case highlights how criminals can use artificial intelligence to support data theft and extortion.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said suspects allegedly used AI tools to hack 60 targets, including hospitals, private academies and businesses.

The alleged campaign ran from September 2025 until recently, with investigators linking the suspects to stolen personal data and internal records.

Police said the 32-year-old alleged ringleader was referred to prosecutors in custody on Friday, while the other suspects face further questioning.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, seven suspects allegedly stole 8.2 million personal data records and internal documents from more than 90 organisations between September 2025 and October 2026.

Investigators suspect the group used AI tools to breach systems and attempted to extort some of the affected organisations.

The alleged ringleader was a self-taught hacker who had worked at a security company conducting simulated hacking attacks.

Authorities have also raised concerns about suspected AI-assisted cybercrime following a series of high-profile attacks on South Korean financial institutions.

The arrests underline growing police scrutiny of cybercrime involving artificial intelligence.