Police Launch Large-Scale Investigation into New Coronavirus 'Mask Fraud'

On the 4th, students wearing masks are passing in front of a banner displaying preventive guidelines for the novel coronavirus infection at Yonsei University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The police have launched an investigation into the so-called 'mask scam group' incident that emerged during the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) crisis.

The National Police Agency announced on the 5th that the mask scam group case has been assigned to the Cyber Investigation Divisions of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and Chungnam Provincial Police Agency, as well as the Cyber Team of the Investigation Division at the Gimpo Police Station in Gyeonggi Province. It is known that the case was distributed to these three locations considering the areas where the damage occurred.

The Seoul Police Agency is in charge of investigating a case where the suspects impersonated employees of a freight transportation company handling masks and extorted tens of millions of won. The scam group reportedly gained trust by showing forged business cards and business registration certificates while claiming, "We will sell masks in bulk at a low price," then received payment for goods and disappeared.

A police official emphasized, "We will respond strictly to fraud crimes that exploit public anxiety."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.