A group that toured 67 restaurants across the Chungcheong and Gyeonggi regions, claiming their teeth had cracked on stones found in the food, has been referred to prosecutors after extorting 20 million won (about $14,000). The suspects secretly dropped stones they had prepared in advance into their food, then demanded money for medical treatment and settlements.
The Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency's metropolitan crime investigation unit said on Sept. 16 that it had arrested a man in his 30s, identified as A, on charges of extortion, fraud and attempted fraud, and referred two accomplices to prosecutors without detention. A and the others are accused of visiting 67 restaurants in North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, Daejeon and Gyeonggi provinces over four months from February to June this year, taking money from 67 owners under the pretext of treatment costs and settlements.
The group mainly targeted small eateries such as hangover-soup shops and Korean restaurants when the lunch rush was winding down and few customers remained. While one member pretended to have cracked a tooth on a stone, another displayed tattoos to create an intimidating atmosphere and pressure the owner into cooperating. When owners suggested filing an insurance claim, the suspects sometimes pushed for cash payment, saying they were in a hurry. Losses ranged from 30,000 won to 1.7 million won per establishment.
Investigators found that A planned the scheme after actually cracking a tooth on a stone at a restaurant in the past and receiving money for treatment. The extorted cash was spent on entertainment and lodging, police said.
Police opened the investigation in June after receiving a tip that restaurant owners were not reporting the incidents out of fear of retaliation. They identified the suspects through victim statements and analysis of security camera footage, and uncovered additional cases through the Korea Foodservice Industry Association and the North Chungcheong restaurant association.
