The police have launched a forced investigation into the operating company Merge Plus in relation to the massive refund suspension of the prepaid discount service 'Merge Point'.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's financial crime investigation team conducted seizures and searches from 10:15 am today (25th) at Merge Plus headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Merge supporters, and 3 payment agencies.
In addition, Merge Plus CEO Kwon Nam-hee (37), Kwon Kang-hyeon (64) director (former Samsung Electronics managing director), and Kwon Bo-gun (34), who is known as a co-founder, were banned from leaving the country for three people who were charged with violating the Electronic Financial Transactions Act.
The police are looking into allegations that they have been conducting business without registering as a prepaid electronic payment method issuer as stipulated in the Electronic Financial Transactions Act.
Police said the charges could expand as the investigation progresses.
A police official said, "As the amount of damage is high and there have been many victims, we plan to continue the investigation quickly and strictly."
Merge Plus, which had attracted up to 1 million members by advocating 'unlimited 20% discount', made a surprise announcement on the night of the 11th that it would stop selling cash equivalent 'mudge money' and reduce its usage due to the government's request for registration in the electronic financial business.
Since then, confusion has continued, with users requesting a refund flocking to the Merge Plus headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, and creating a victim group online.
Merge Plus has announced that it will refund in order through online.
Merseyplus did not submit the necessary data for registration of an electronic financial company, such as financial statements, despite the request of the financial authorities.
(Photo = Yonhap News)