Police Accelerate Investigation into 'Mask Distribution Disorder' Including Hoarding... 35 Additional Cases Detected in Three Days

Over 2,000 Cases of Mask Sales Fraud Investigated
20 Cases of Infectious Disease Prevention Act Violations Including Self-Quarantine Breaches Also Under Investigation

On the 9th, when the mask 5-day rotation system was implemented, citizens are purchasing masks at a pharmacy in Jongno-gu, Seoul, presenting their ID cards. Due to the mask 5-day rotation system, individuals can purchase 2 masks per person per week at pharmacies according to their birth year. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The police are accelerating investigations into disruptions in mask distribution related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the National Police Agency on the 9th, as of the 8th of this month, the police have uncovered a total of 107 cases related to mask hoarding and seized 246 individuals. Compared to the 5th, an additional 35 cases and 95 people were apprehended over three days.

Additionally, 130 cases of mask sales fraud have been detected up to the previous day, with 37 people arrested. Among them, 22 individuals with serious charges have been detained. Investigations are ongoing for 2,051 cases.

The police are supporting the government-wide joint crackdown team with 182 personnel and have been operating 273 special crackdown teams nationwide (1,254 personnel) separately since the 28th of last month, focusing on cracking down on acts disrupting mask distribution order. A police official explained, "Alongside legal actions, measures are also being taken to ensure masks can be distributed promptly."

At the same time, the police are concentrating investigative efforts on violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, such as breaches of quarantine orders by health authorities. As of the previous day, there are 20 ongoing investigations into violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. Among these, 11 cases involve violations of quarantine orders such as self-isolation. The case in which the Gangnam District Office in Seoul reported a man in his 30s to the police for leaving without permission twice during self-isolation is expected to be assigned to an investigative agency soon.