Former Pro Baseball Player Sentenced for Involvement in Voice Phishing Scheme

A former professional baseball player in his twenties has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in a voice phishing scheme. During a sentencing hearing on May 19 at the Incheon District Court, the prosecution sought a lengthy prison term for the 26-year-old, identified as A, who was charged with violating the Special Act on the Prevention of Telecommunications Financial Fraud and other fraud-related offenses.

The prosecution argued that while A claimed he was unaware of the criminal activities and was merely acting as a messenger for financial gain, he continued his involvement even after knowing that the account used for currency exchange had been frozen due to its connection to voice phishing crimes. They highlighted his role in recruiting accomplices and directing their actions, emphasizing the severity of his participation and the significant amount of money involved.

A was accused of participating in a voice phishing operation last June, which resulted in losses amounting to approximately 190 million won. In his final statement, A expressed shock at being linked to such a serious crime and reflected on the harm he caused to others during his time in custody, pledging to become a model citizen in the future and requesting leniency.

A had joined a professional baseball team in 2018 and played in the second team before being released in 2020 when the team requested the removal of his training status.