Busan Police Agency Strictly Responds to Illegal Activities Related to 'COVID-19'

Prosecution of Individuals Violating Preventive Measures Such as Refusal of Testing and Quarantine

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Yoseop] The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 24th that it will actively support all measures of health authorities to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and will strictly prosecute violators of these measures. Investigation efforts will be concentrated to eradicate illegal activities such as the distribution of false and fabricated information, personal data, hoarding of masks, and sales fraud.

When receiving requests for on-site support related to COVID-19 from health authorities, the police will promptly dispatch personnel to the scene and actively cooperate with the health authorities' enforcement actions.

Acts that violate infectious disease prevention measures, such as refusing health authorities' testing, hospitalization, or quarantine orders for infected patients, suspected carriers, or those at risk of transmission, will be strictly prosecuted according to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

Any illegal acts that obstruct necessary preventive measures, such as assaulting or using physical force against related public officials, will also be dealt with firmly.

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency has so far investigated two cases involving the distribution of personal information and obstruction of business, resulting in the arrest of two individuals, and is actively prosecuting cases that cause anxiety in the local community.

As the number of infected individuals rapidly increases, false and fabricated information is being closely monitored, and production and distribution channels are under domestic and international investigation. Requests for deletion and blocking are also being made to the Korea Communications Standards Commission and others.

Regarding mask hoarding, since the 6th, five personnel have been dispatched to the government-wide joint crackdown team, which includes the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and Fair Trade Commission, to conduct inspections. Currently, investigations are underway for 20 cases of mask hoarding and internet mask sales fraud, as well as one case of distribution of false and fabricated information posts.

A police official stated, “We will respond strictly and decisively to illegal acts such as refusal of testing and hospitalization/quarantine orders, production and distribution of false and fabricated information, and mask hoarding and sales fraud, including arrest and investigation.” He added, “We will strengthen the security system further by actively cooperating with related agencies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 damage.”

On the 24th, an employee at Busan Gangseo Police Station is disinfecting a police car to prevent COVID-19. (Photo by Busan Police Agency)

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