20s Man Detained and Prosecuted for Lying About Contact with Shincheonji After Testing Positive for COVID-19

The Daegu Suseong-gu Public Health Center, where the 31st confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection showed suspected symptoms and received the first medical examination, was closed on the morning of the 18th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] A man in his 20s who falsely reported to 119 that he had been in contact with a Shincheonji Church member confirmed positive for COVID-19 and underwent an epidemiological investigation has been brought to trial.

The Suwon District Prosecutors' Office announced on the 5th that it had arrested and indicted A (28) on charges of obstruction of official duties by deception and violation of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

A is accused of lying on the 21st, then receiving a COVID-19 test at the Cheoin-gu Public Health Center in Yongin, and obstructing the health center's epidemiological investigation and related duties.

It was investigated that A falsely claimed, "On the 16th, I was in contact with patient number 31 at the Daegu Shincheonji Church and have symptoms such as coughing."

Additionally, A is also charged with misusing a delivery motorcycle and a check card for purposes other than intended (embezzlement in the course of duty, etc.) while working as a delivery worker at a restaurant starting on the 23rd, two days later.

During police questioning, he reportedly stated that "I recently visited Daegu, got tested for COVID-19, and was placed under self-quarantine."

The police, suspicious of A's statement since he showed no symptoms of COVID-19 infection, investigated his movements and found that he had no record of visiting Daegu.

A was also confirmed negative in the COVID-19 diagnostic test.

During the police investigation, A reportedly admitted to the crime, saying, "I saw YouTubers doing it and tried to imitate them."

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