Prosecutors Arrest and Indict Two Distributors of Health Supplies; 6 Million Masks Distributed in Market

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced that it has arrested and indicted two individuals and ensured the distribution of approximately 6 million masks to the market after investigating distribution disruption offenders of health products to prevent unfair competition in the market due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The dedicated investigation team for distribution disruption offenders of health products at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Team Leader Jeon Jun-cheol, Head of the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 2) conducted joint inspections and raids with relevant government departments on about 70 companies manufacturing or distributing masks and other health products. As a result, three people were arrested (two indicted, one indictment suspended) and 27 were indicted without detention, the office announced on the 14th. Additionally, nine people were summarily indicted, and one person was subject to indictment suspension.

The prosecution added that the mask raw materials and approximately 6 million masks secured during this process were arranged to be distributed to the market through official sales procedures.

Furthermore, during the investigation, the prosecution conveyed the identified problems and necessary improvements at each stage of the mask supply structure to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and relevant government departments and proposed institutional improvements.

A prosecution official stated, "Stabilizing the mask supply is an essential requirement to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. The prosecution will continue to conduct ongoing crackdowns and investigations into distribution disruption offenders hindering the supply of masks and other health products."

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