The Korea Herald

피터빈트

Man attempts to cash in on Sillim stabbing

By Moon Ki Hoon

Published : July 28, 2023 - 16:49

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Fake donation box at the tribute site in Sillim-dong, Seoul (Online community bobaedream) Fake donation box at the tribute site in Sillim-dong, Seoul (Online community bobaedream)

A man in his 60s is under police investigation for attempting to defraud the public with a donation box at a tribute site in Sillim-dong, Seoul, the location of a recent stabbing spree that left one dead and three injured.

According to authorities, the man set up a box marked "donations for victims' families" at the memorial site without the consent of the victims' relatives. Upon discovering the box, the victims' families and mourning citizens reported the man to the police.

Despite warnings from the police, the man returned the box to the site the following day and removed written tributes left by visitors, leading to a subsequent criminal investigation.

When confronted by citizens, the man reportedly claimed he intended to give 70 percent of the collected funds to the victims' families. The police are considering charges of violating the Act on Collection and Use of Donations.