Arrest Made of Pakistani National Linked to Terrorism

Offices of the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province [YONHAP]

Authorities announced on Friday the arrest of a Pakistani national who allegedly has links to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a designated terrorist organization. This incident marks the first time officials have detained someone connected to a UN-listed terror group in South Korea.

The National Security Investigation Unit of the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police apprehended a man in his forties and subsequently referred him to local prosecutors. He now faces charges for violating the Anti-Terrorism and Immigration Control Acts.

According to police reports, the suspect allegedly became involved with LeT in 2020 while in Narowal, Pakistan. He experienced weapons training, mastering the use of machine guns, mortars, and rocket-propelled grenades, and participated in infiltration exercises before fully joining the militant group.

Investigators claim that this individual entered South Korea illegally in December 2023 after acquiring a visa from the Korean Consulate in Pakistan by submitting a fake application, stating he was coming for business purposes.

Established in the mid-1980s, Lashkar-e-Taiba aims to create an Islamic state in South Asia and claims to fight for Muslim freedom in regions of Kashmir governed by India. The group, which enjoyed earlier support from Pakistan’s intelligence service, was classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. after the 9/11 attacks, leading to a cessation of support from Pakistan.

The United Nations listed LeT as a terrorist organization in 2005. The group is notably responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks that resulted in the deaths of 166 people, and it has been linked to various attacks in India, including those in the capital and Bangalore. Recently, it was accused of orchestrating a shooting incident in the Kashmir region.

An immigration sign captured in 2016. [YONHAP NEWS TV]

The police arrested the suspect in Itaewon, central Seoul, based on intelligence feedback from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Upon his arrest, the man claimed, “I traveled to Korea to earn money” and admitted to knowing about Lashkar-e-Taiba, but insisted that he was not a member of it. However, authorities pointed out that he has been unemployed since his arrival in the country and did not follow through with job offers he listed in his visa application.

Despite applying to extend his stay in Korea, immigration officials have recommended his departure since September 5.

Police further stated that they are collaborating with the NIS to establish if the suspect had partners in Korea or was involved in fundraising for terrorist operations.

“Thanks to our close coordination with NIS, we managed to swiftly detain the suspect,” remarked a police representative. “With the APEC summit approaching in Gyeongju this October, we plan to enhance our cooperation to address potential terror threats proactively.”

Public reports related to terrorism can be communicated by calling 113 or through the 113 reporting portal administered by the National Police Agency.

BY CHOI MO-RAN [kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr]