An operator of pirate websites featuring Korean content was arrested in North Africa
In North Africa, the operator of three websites that illegally distributed Korean webtoons, web novels, and other content was arrested. The platforms were shut down following an international investigation, according to the Korea Herald, citing South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
According to the ministry, the websites distributed more than 83,000 pieces of pirated content, approximately 57% of which was Korean material. A North African citizen was detained in mid-July as part of an investigation involving the ministry, the Korea National Police Agency, and Interpol.
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The investigation began in March after Naver Webtoon’s internal copyright monitoring team reported the sites to the authorities. Two of them were the main channels for distributing illegal copies, while the third was an illegal file-sharing resource linked to them.
Among the illegally distributed materials were 5,202 web novels and 30,926 webtoons, including “Trauma Center: Golden Hour.” According to the agency, the websites allegedly scanned paid content and translated it into English, after which the materials were distributed by secondary and tertiary distributors. The ministry stated that it would strengthen cooperation with international organizations, law enforcement agencies, and industry representatives to protect copyrights.
