Seoul, South Korean authorities have intensified efforts to combat technology theft, illegal acquisition of industrial information and the distribution of counterfeit products, with new government figures showing an increase in suspects being referred for prosecution

The country’s Intellectual Property Office said its special judicial police recorded stronger enforcement results during the first half of 2026 as authorities stepped up investigations into intellectual-property-related offences.

According to the government announcement, the number of technology-infringement suspects referred to prosecutors increased by 33 percent compared with the corresponding period previously measured. The number of suspects involved in the distribution of counterfeit products who were referred for prosecution also rose by 32 percent.

Authorities said the figures reflect a strengthened response to crimes that can cause significant economic damage to businesses and consumers.

Technology theft has become an increasingly important law-enforcement concern because stolen industrial information can be transferred to competitors or criminal networks and potentially cause substantial losses to companies. Investigators are therefore focusing on identifying not only individuals who obtain protected information but also those who organize or facilitate its transfer.

The government is also increasing enforcement against counterfeit goods. Fake products can undermine legitimate businesses, expose consumers to potentially unsafe goods and generate illegal profits for criminal organizations.

Officials said special judicial police have been expanding investigations and improving cooperation with other agencies to identify offenders involved in intellectual-property violations.

The latest enforcement results indicate that authorities are paying greater attention to technology-related crime as South Korea seeks to protect industries that depend heavily on research, innovation and advanced manufacturing.

Investigators are also examining methods used by offenders to obtain confidential corporate information. These cases can involve attempts to unlawfully acquire, transfer or use technological data belonging to companies.

Counterfeit-product investigations are being conducted alongside technology-crime cases as part of a broader effort to protect intellectual property rights.

Authorities said stronger enforcement is necessary because intellectual-property offences can have consequences extending beyond individual companies. Technology theft may weaken industrial competitiveness, while counterfeit distribution can damage consumer trust and legitimate markets.

The government is expected to continue strengthening investigative capabilities and cooperation between agencies as new forms of technology-related crime emerge.

Officials emphasized that enforcement action will focus on identifying the people responsible for organizing and carrying out such offences rather than limiting investigations to individual sellers or intermediaries.

The latest figures cover enforcement activity during the first half of 2026 and do not mean that every person referred to prosecutors has been convicted. Individuals remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, with final criminal responsibility determined by the courts.

South Korean authorities said continued action against technology theft and counterfeit goods would remain an important part of protecting businesses, consumers and the country’s intellectual-property system.