Seoul:A man in his 20s has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly extorting a total of 22 million won (approximately US$16,300) from 38 individuals. Police reported the man intentionally collided with people in a crowded shopping mall in Seoul's Songpa Ward, causing his phone to drop and subsequently demanding money for repairs.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Songpa Police Station sent the case to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office on Thursday, suspecting the man of fraud. Between January and May, the suspect is said to have targeted passersby in the busy area, with one victim becoming suspicious and reporting the incident.
Police investigations, along with an analysis of the man's bank transfer records, led to the identification of 37 additional victims. The suspect is currently in custody after a court issued a warrant for his arrest. He initially evaded the arrest warrant hearing but was eventually tracked down and apprehended.