The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has taken over the investigation into allegations that a jewelry shop owner in Jongno-gu, Seoul, swindled customers out of gold and money from private savings clubs (gye), as the estimated damages have surpassed 10 billion won.
According to media reports as of yesterday (June 24), the case, which was first filed at the Hyehwa Police Station on June 3, has been transferred to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
The police have identified over 10 billion won in damages claimed so far, with at least 140 complaints filed regarding similar incidents.
It is reported that the victims trusted the jewelry shop owner's promise that they would receive dividends if they deposited their gold.
There are also victims who deposited money into private savings clubs.
A messenger chat room where victims have gathered currently has over 190 members.
The scale of the damage could increase further, as there are cases where victims have not yet filed formal complaints.
Park Jung-bo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated during a regular press conference on June 15, "It does not appear that the suspect has fled," adding, "We are currently questioning the complainants, and the suspect has also appointed legal counsel to respond."
The police plan to continue the investigation by examining the exact circumstances of the case.