Police Detain 10 People for Spreading Fake COVID-19 News and Personal Information
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[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Ten people have been booked for distributing fake news related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and leaking the personal information of confirmed cases.
On the 2nd, Lee Yong-pyo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated at a press conference held in Naejadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, "We investigated 17 cases of fake news related to COVID-19 and booked seven people," adding, "Regarding the leakage of COVID-19-related personal information, three people have been booked in one case so far."
It has been confirmed that there have been no cases reported by the Shincheonji Church of Jesus (Shincheonji) in response to fake news about COVID-19. However, reports identifying individuals as Shincheonji members have been continuously received.
Regarding hoarding of masks amid the spread of COVID-19, a total of 19 cases are currently under investigation, with 11 people booked. Additionally, 86 cases of sales fraud involving false claims of having masks to swindle cash are under investigation, with 13 people booked and one person detained. Commissioner Lee explained, "Among the sales fraud cases, there was an incident where more than 100 million KRW was embezzled by falsely claiming to sell a large quantity of masks."
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Meanwhile, following the prohibition notices issued by the police on the 22nd and 23rd of last month against downtown gatherings in Seoul, seven organizations that proceeded with the assemblies were reported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Jongno District Office for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. As a result, 34 leaders of the gatherings have been identified and summonses have been issued. Commissioner Lee stated, "We will continue to analyze the collected evidence and issue summonses to additional identified individuals for judicial action."
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