Police Continue Investigation into Mask Hoarding and Sales Fraud... Cases of Self-Quarantine Violations Also Found

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Police investigations into hoarding and sales fraud related to masks amid the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continue.

On the 30th, Lee Yong-pyo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, announced at a press conference that Seoul police have investigated 58 cases of distribution order disruption, including mask hoarding, and booked 81 people. Regarding mask sales fraud, 246 cases are under investigation, with 96 people booked and 12 detained.

Twenty cases of spreading false and fabricated information related to COVID-19 are under investigation, with 23 people booked. Commissioner Lee emphasized, "Fake news is a crime that causes social anxiety and distrust, so not only the producers but also the distributors will be tracked and prosecuted."

Additionally, 40 reports of violations of self-quarantine rules were received through the 112 emergency call center. Most were mistaken reports, and only three cases were confirmed as violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. These individuals were found to have left self-quarantine and were caught.

The police are also investigating a case in which Lee Man-hee, the Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus (Shincheonji), and 12 branch leaders were reported. However, the complainants have not yet been questioned.

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