Arrest of Fraudster Pretending to Sell Masks Related to COVID-19

Embezzlement of 110 Million Won from 8 Victims

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Yoseop] Ulsan Nambu Police Station (Chief Jo Junghyuk) arrested suspect A on the 18th on charges of embezzling approximately 110 million KRW from eight people by exploiting the mask shortage caused by the recent spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). A posted on an online secondhand trading site that he was selling large quantities of ‘KF masks’ at prices lower than the market rate, then defrauded victims who contacted him after seeing the post.

After receiving a damage report on the 6th, the police identified the suspect by tracking accounts and analyzing call records, and apprehended him at a PC bang located in Dongducheon-si, Gyeonggi-do.

The suspect is known to have squandered most of the embezzled money on living expenses and online gambling funds.