Seoul Police Arrest 45 for Mask Hoarding... Nearly 500 Reports of Disturbances at Official Mask Sales Locations
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[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Amid the ongoing 'mask crisis' caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the police have reiterated their firm stance on strictly responding to illegal activities such as hoarding and sales fraud related to masks.
On the 16th, Lee Yong-pyo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated at a press briefing, "Violations of laws related to mask sales should be treated as crimes that threaten public safety," adding, "We will thoroughly investigate and strictly prosecute these cases."
The Seoul police have investigated 46 cases related to mask hoarding and have booked 45 suspects. They are currently investigating 208 cases of mask sales fraud, where sellers take money without delivering masks, and have booked 63 suspects so far. Additionally, there have been 5 cases where individuals were caught purchasing masks using someone else's name, such as using a friend's son's resident registration number.
There have been 497 reports so far of assaults and disturbances occurring around official mask sales locations. Commissioner Lee explained, "Most of these were minor disturbances or disputes, and on-site guidance measures were taken."
Investigations are also ongoing into violations of self-quarantine orders and fake news. The Seoul police have booked 2 individuals for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act by breaching self-quarantine orders, and have investigated 20 cases of spreading false and fabricated information, booking 18 suspects.
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Meanwhile, the police stated that they are reviewing the complaint regarding the Shincheonji Church of Jesus (Shincheonji) filed by a civic group. Previously, a civic group filed a complaint with the Guro Police Station accusing Chairman Lee Man-hee and the leadership of murder and obstruction of business.
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