Police arrested a 27-year-old on Thursday for allegedly scamming online customers out of millions of won by selling PyeongChang goods in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, and not delivering.

The suspect is believed to have received nearly 2.3 million won ($2,100) from 63 people since November. Victims reported the suspect had advertised sales of PyeongChang long, padded jackets, venue tickets and smartphones via an online site selling used goods. 

Police said the online crook committed the alleged crime with a detailed plan to avoid getting caught. The suspect purportedly moved from city to city, including Busan, Miryang in South Gyeongsang Province and Yeosu in South Jeolla Province, staying at motels. Police found evidence that the suspect opened five bank accounts under acquaintances’ names and used two phones. 

Police further uncovered the suspect had used some of the stolen money to pay for a rental car and accommodations. They believe the scammer, who has been unemployed, committed the crime to pay for living expenses.

The suspect reportedly admitted to embarking on the scheme after observing how popular the PyeongChang long, padded jackets were.

Police plan to investigate whether there are more victims of fraud and send the suspect and related documents to the Prosecutors’ Office.

By Catherine Chung (cec82@heraldcorp.com)