The Incheon Cyber Crime Investigation Team has officially transitioned its investigation into the hacking incident involving AliExpress seller account payments to a formal inquiry. Authorities have charged an unidentified hacker with violating information and communication laws and fraud involving computer usage. This individual allegedly hacked into seller accounts that joined AliExpress in October of the previous year and misappropriated 8.6 billion won intended for seller settlements.

Fortunately, AliExpress has reportedly absorbed the financial loss from this hacking incident, ensuring that the sellers themselves did not suffer any direct financial impact. The police were initially alerted to the situation through reports made to the Korea Internet & Security Agency, leading to pre-charge investigations addressing the allegations. Following the collection of evidence, law enforcement has classified the hacker’s actions as criminal, thus solidifying their commitment to formal investigative proceedings.

The police now consider AliExpress to be the victim in this case and continue to work diligently to unravel the details of the incident. Their efforts signal a serious approach to cybercrime in South Korea, emphasizing the importance of strong cybersecurity measures, especially for e-commerce platforms. This formal investigation also highlights the challenges that online marketplaces face in securing their systems against potential threats.