Recently, news has emerged that the Gyeonggi Southern Police Agency has begun a large-scale investigation related to AV Mov sites, leading to numerous concerns and inquiries from the public. This matter exceeds the scale of the past 'n번방' incident, and given the strong will demonstrated by the investigative agencies, a careful and accurate response is essential.

In this post, we would like to summarize the key points regarding the current status of the AV Mov incident, investigation targets, and legal responses.

[Table of Contents]

1. Scale of the incident: 540,000 subscribers, double the size of n번방, initiation of investigation by Gyeonggi Southern Police

2. Investigation targets: Focused investigation on operators, heavy uploaders/downloaders, and paying subscribers

3. Legal issues: Limitations of claims of mere curiosity and the possibility of penalties

4. Response strategies: Need for expert assistance in judging possession of child pornography and voluntary reporting

1. Scale of the Incident: 540,000 subscribers, double the size of n번방

The number of subscribers to the recently controversial AV Mov site is estimated to be about 540,000. This is nearly double the unprecedented scale compared to the number of users during the past 'n번방' incident, which was around 280,000.

In response to such a massive illegal sharing site, the Gyeonggi Southern Police Agency has launched a full-scale investigation. The Gyeonggi Southern Police Agency possesses rich experience and know-how in cyber sex crime investigations, and it is expected that a very thorough investigation will be conducted for this case as well.

2. Main Investigation Targets: Paying Subscribers and Heavy Users

Many people are most concerned about the question, "Will I too be a target of investigation?" The police are likely to prioritize targets for investigation where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing over those who simply visited the site.

• Operators and Administrators

• Heavy Uploaders and Heavy Downloaders

• Paying Subscribers (e.g. point recharge)

In particular, if there are records of payment history or specific viewing and downloading activities, there is a very high possibility that summons investigations will take place based on that evidence. With the development of digital forensic technology, even if records have been deleted, evidence can still be identified through payment logs, so caution is advised.

3. Challenges in Legal Response: Claims of "It was Curiosity"

One of the most commonly cited statements during police investigations is that they "joined out of simple curiosity" or "only joined and did not take any actions." However, such claims are difficult to accept legally.

Current law judges whether to impose penalties based on 'objective acts (joining, paying, downloading, possessing, watching, etc.)' rather than the actor's inner intent (curiosity). Therefore, vague denial or emotional responses can actually work against individuals during the investigation phase.

4. Expert Advice: Judging Possession of Child Pornography and Voluntary Reporting Mitigation Strategies

The most important aspect of responding to the AV Mov incident is whether the materials that one possesses or has viewed include 'child and adolescent sexual exploitation materials (child pornography)'. If such materials are included, the penalties will be much heavier than for the possession of general obscene materials.

Consultants suggest the following response directions:

• Expert Consultation Required: Since the penalties may differ based on one's membership type (simple joining, payment, downloading, etc.) and the types of materials possessed, it is essential to receive legal advice from a legal expert before appearing at the police.

• Voluntary Reporting and Mitigation Strategies: If there is clear payment history or distinct allegations of possessing child pornography, a strategic approach may involve voluntarily reporting (self-reporting one’s crime to law enforcement) with the assistance of a lawyer to receive a reduced sentence rather than outright denial.

Wise Response with Law Firm Cheongchul

In cases such as the AV Mov incident, related to digital sex crimes, initial responses are of utmost importance. How one responds before receiving contact from investigative agencies or immediately after receiving a summons can significantly affect the outcome.

Law Firm Cheongchul thoroughly ensures client confidentiality and provides optimal legal solutions by objectively analyzing the current situation. Rather than delaying out of vague fear, we recommend seeking specific solutions through consultations with experts.

This post was created for informational purposes based on the content of the related YouTube video, and we recommend conducting specific legal consultations directly with a lawyer.