Police nab subway pickpockets who preyed on drunk passengers, sold stolen phones abroad

Police have arrested a gang that stole mobile phones from passengers who had fallen asleep drunk on late-night subway platforms and trains, then sold the devices to fences.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's subway police unit said Friday it had referred three suspects to prosecutors on Aug. 14. A man in his 60s, identified only as A, faces charges of theft and facilitating the sale of stolen goods for repeatedly carrying out "buchu-ppaegi" — stealing belongings while pretending to help an intoxicated person. A man in his 40s, identified as B, faces charges of receiving stolen goods for his role in distributing the stolen phones. A woman in her 70s, identified as C, faces charges of facilitating the sale of stolen goods.

A and B were taken into detention on Aug. 11, while C was referred to prosecutors without being detained.

A is accused of repeatedly stealing mobile phones from passengers who had fallen asleep drunk while roaming the downtown section of Seoul Subway Line 4 and bus transfer centers during late-night hours. Investigators found that he committed the additional offenses while already under an enhanced sentencing period due to prior theft convictions.

According to police, A specifically targeted mobile phones for their high resale value. Among the stolen devices were high-end models including the Galaxy S26 Ultra. His victims were mostly office workers who had fallen asleep after drinking.

Police launched the investigation in May after receiving a tip, while probing a separate pickpocketing case, that pickpockets were meeting with fences to hand over stolen phones, which the fences were buying and selling overseas.

Over roughly four months, investigators analyzed footage from more than 100 closed-circuit television cameras at subway stations and conducted surveillance and stakeout operations. On Aug. 8, they caught the suspects in the act at a neighborhood park near Gireum Station in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

Police seized nine mobile phones the suspects had in their possession and began the process of returning four — whose owners had been identified — to their victims.

The phones had been traded for 900,000 won to 1 million won ($736) each. Police are continuing to investigate the suspects for additional offenses.

A subway police unit official said anyone can become a victim of subway crime while intoxicated, and urged the public to follow five rules for preventing phone theft on the subway.

The five prevention tips police offered are: exercise extra caution when using public transportation while intoxicated; avoid sitting at the edge of seats; do not hold your phone in your hand when feeling drowsy; wear bags as close to the body as possible; and use a neck strap or wrist strap to keep your phone attached to your body.