Authorities in Chungbuk have arrested two individuals in their twenties for their roles in a significant scam that defrauded small business owners by impersonating public institutions such as military bases, fire departments, and prisons. The Chungbuk Police Agency's anti-corruption and economic crime investigation unit reported that one suspect is in custody, while another was processed without detention. The suspects, operating out of Cambodia, engaged in a fraudulent 'no-show' scheme that convinced business owners to purchase specific items under the false pretense of securing supply contracts with these fake public offices.

The scam was extensive, with reports indicating that the individuals orchestrated at least 26 fraudulent transactions, accumulating a total of over 3.8 billion won (approximately 2.8 million USD). The amounts taken ranged significantly from around 30 to 400 million won for smaller transactions, and up to 460 million won for larger ones. This indicates a well-planned operation taking advantage of vulnerable small business owners who were misled into believing they were securing legitimate agreements with reputable public institutions.

Police have issued warnings regarding the ongoing threat of such scams, particularly as they anticipate that similar fraudulent activities could increase as the Lunar New Year approaches, a time when small businesses are often more vulnerable. The authorities underscore the importance of vigilance and caution against such deceptive practices that exploit the trust of small entrepreneurs in South Korea.