Revenge for hire services spread via Telegram in South Korea

The suspect allegedly spread food waste and sprayed red paint on the front door of an apartment unit. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SEOUL - Concerns are growing over a recent string of so-called “revenge for hire” crimes in South Korea, most of which involve the vandalism of apartment doors.

A man in his 20s was recently taken into custody on suspicion of property damage after smearing waste and paint on a stranger’s apartment door for money, news reports said on March 2.

The incident occurred at around 8.30pm on Feb 22 at an apartment building in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, where the suspect allegedly spread food waste and sprayed red lacquer paint on the front door of a unit on the 15th floor, according to the Hwaseong Dongtan Police Station.

He also scattered dozens of leaflets defaming the resident and even left human excrement at the scene. He was apprehended on Feb 26, with the court issuing a formal arrest warrant that day.

Police allege that the suspect was hired through Telegram for about 800,000 won (S$698) in cryptocurrency.

“Multiple channels offering these revenge for hire services operate on Telegram. They post advertisements and delete them immediately once a deal is reached, making them difficult to track,” a police officer said.