30s Man Attempted to Embezzle 3.3 Billion KRW Deposit in "Supplying 12 Million Idol Masks" Contract

A man in his 30s who tried to deceive by promising to supply high-performance masks and pocket an advance payment was arrested. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] A man in his 30s who tried to deceive and embezzle an intermediary deposit by promising to supply 12 million masks made famous by being worn by a famous idol group member was arrested by the police.

The Gangwon Provincial Police Agency announced on the 15th that they arrested Mr. A (33) on charges of attempted fraud, forgery and use of false documents, and related offenses.

Mr. A is accused of approaching distributor Mr. B recently, claiming, "I have signed a contract with the manufacturer to supply high-performance masks popular worldwide because they are worn by a globally famous idol group," and attempting to embezzle an intermediary deposit of 3.3 billion KRW in exchange for delivering 12 million masks worth 26.4 billion KRW.

Additionally, Mr. A is charged with creating and showing Mr. B a fake contract stamped with a forged company seal.

Mr. B discovered the contract was false while verifying the contract details with the mask manufacturer and reported it to the police.

Upon receiving the report, the police arrested Mr. A on the 13th.

Meanwhile, since the 28th of last month, the police have been focusing their efforts on cracking down on distribution order violations such as mask and hand sanitizer sales fraud and hoarding. Currently, the police are investigating 70 cases of mask sales fraud and 8 cases of hoarding.