The National Police Agency announced on December 8 that it has filed civil lawsuits for damages, in addition to pursuing criminal charges, against individuals who posted online threats that caused public anxiety.
The National Police Agency stated, "We have filed damage claims of 12,567,881 won against the individual who posted the 'Shinsegae Department Store bomb threat' and 55,051,212 won against the individual who posted the 'Yatap Station murder warning.' We comprehensively considered the seriousness of the cases, the scale of police mobilization, and the potential for public criticism to dispel concerns about indiscriminate litigation."
In these cases, a significant police force-including local police, riot police, special forces, and the cyber investigation unit-was mobilized from the moment the incidents were reported until the suspects were apprehended, in preparation for any possible contingency. The resulting impact was ultimately borne by citizens who were unable to receive full police services.
The police stated that they will continue to respond strictly to public threats and false reports, not only by pursuing criminal charges but also by actively considering claims for damages.
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