Gyeonggi Province Cracks Down on Anti-North Korea Leaflet Distribution Groups...Pursuing Legal Action in Coordination with Police

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hoon Reporter] Gyeonggi Province has identified a vehicle owned by a Seoul-based missionary group A carrying helium gas canisters and Bibles while in transit in Gimpo, Gyeonggi, and is pursuing legal action against the group in coordination with police.

According to Gyeonggi Province on the 20th, the vehicle was detected by police at around 7:50 p.m. on the 19th at Galsan intersection in Gimpo while carrying two large balloons, two helium gas canisters, and 14 Bibles. At the time of detection, the vehicle was confirmed to have one foreign male affiliated with missionary group A.
Gyeonggi Province learned of the detection from Gimpo Police Station at around 8:30 p.m. on the 19th and immediately dispatched the Gyeonggi Province Special Investigation Police to the scene to confirm the circumstances of the case.
The Gyeonggi Province Special Investigation Police decided to unify the investigation under police in coordination with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and submitted all crackdown materials in the form of a complaint.
An official with the Gyeonggi Province Special Investigation Police stated, "This is a measure taking into account that the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is currently investigating activities related to anti-North Korea leaflet distribution," and added, "We are strengthening coordination with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for swift and effective investigation."

Missionary group A was reported to the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency on the 3rd on charges of attempting to release four anti-North Korea balloons containing Bibles in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province. Gyeonggi Province previously requested investigation from the Gyeonggi Northern Regional Police Agency and Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 22nd of last month against four anti-North Korea leaflet distribution groups including missionary group A on charges of fraud and misappropriation of funds.

Gyeonggi Province plans to continue cracking down on anti-North Korea leaflet distribution activities and respond forcefully with arrest of flagrant violators upon discovery.
Meanwhile, on the 17th of last month, Gyeonggi Province implemented a "dangerous area designation and prohibition order" designating all five border cities and counties including Gimpo City, excluding military installations, as dangerous areas until November 30th. With the implementation of the administrative order, entry and exit of those involved in anti-North Korea leaflet distribution within the designated dangerous areas, as well as preparation, transportation, distribution, and use of anti-North Korea leaflets and related materials, are all prohibited.
Violators of the administrative order shall be punished with imprisonment of not more than one year or a fine of not more than 10 million won in accordance with Article 41 (dangerous area designation) and Article 79 (penalties) of the Disaster and Safety Management Basic Act.