Busan Police Detain 7 People Including Those Who Made False COVID-19 Reports and Spread Fake News

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Ju Cheol-in] Seven people have been booked in Busan for spreading fake news or making false reports related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 12th that seven people, including a woman in her 30s identified as A, were booked without detention on charges of fabricating false information related to COVID-19 (obstruction of business) or making false reports.

A is accused of spreading false posts and photos on social media last month under the title "Shincheonji COVID Arrest Scene," claiming that "a citizen is being urgently arrested at a bakery in Busan."

B and four others are suspected of posting messages on internet cafes such as "10 confirmed cases have emerged at a traditional market" or sending fake news via text messages stating "the owner of a restaurant went to the hospital as a suspected COVID-19 patient but had participated in a certain religious group."

A representative from the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency said, "Producing and distributing false fabricated information and making false reports not only spread public anxiety but also obstruct the work of medical staff and police officers. Therefore, we will respond strictly and firmly to such serious illegal acts."

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