During the Lunar New Year holiday, a man in his 40s was arrested for stealing from elderly individuals living alone in Seoul by pretending to be an employee of the local district office. The suspect, identified as Mr. G, approached the victims while they were walking in alleys, claiming to be a welfare department worker. Under the guise of wanting to have a cup of coffee, he distracted the elderly individuals and stole cash and their wallets from their homes. Over the course of three incidents, it is estimated that he stole around 1 million won (approximately $850).

The Jongam Police Station focused on the pattern of similar incidents being reported and analyzed CCTV footage to identify the location where Mr. G was staying. Once located, the suspect was immediately apprehended and confessed to his crimes. After undergoing investigations, he was sent to the prosecutor’s office for further legal action. Police Chief Ryu Kyung-sook emphasized that impersonation crimes targeting vulnerable populations are occurring frequently and stressed the importance of preventive measures and public awareness campaigns.

To protect the elderly, The police urged seniors to remain alert towards unfamiliar visitors and to contact authorities if they find themselves in suspicious situations. Ryu assured the public that the police will continue to promote safety measures, particularly during times when scams and impersonation incidents are on the rise, highlighting the need for community vigilance.