A Neighbor in Their 50s Arrested for Embezzling Basic Livelihood Benefits from Disabled and Elderly Living Alone

A man in his 50s who repeatedly threatened a disabled elderly neighbor with a weapon to extort basic living subsidies was arrested by the police.

The Gwangju Western Police Station announced on the 20th that they have arrested and are investigating a man in his 50s, Mr. A, on charges of threatening police officers and the elderly with a weapon (special obstruction of official duties, special threats, and extortion).

Mr. A is accused of threatening police officers and an elderly person with a weapon at an apartment in Ssangchon-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, around 8:50 p.m. on the 19th.

He is also suspected of extorting basic living subsidies from a 70-year-old woman, Ms. B, who has lived next door for about a year, as well as seizing rice and other items provided by the local government.

A caregiver, Ms. C, who visited Ms. B’s home, reported to the police after Mr. A stood at the door, turned on a chainsaw, and threatened, "Open the door."

After arriving at the scene, the police identified evidence that Mr. A had been frequently harassing Ms. B and extorting money and goods, and dispatched a specialized violent crime task force.

When confronted by the police, Mr. A hid in his home and caused a disturbance. When the police forcibly opened the front door, he wielded a weapon toward them, prompting the police to use a taser to subdue and arrest him on the spot.

Police investigations revealed that Mr. A had extorted not only daily necessities provided to Ms. B but also several million won from her savings. Ms. B had not reported the abuse earlier due to fear of retaliation.

Given the seriousness of the case and concerns about retaliatory crimes, the police have applied for an arrest warrant for Mr. A, are seeking ways to protect and support the victim, and are investigating any additional undiscovered offenses.

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