Police plans to launch a massive crackdown on organized gangsters for two months this week in a bid to help improve public safety and stabilize economic activities.
"Cases of organized gangsters extorting money from entertainment establishments, street vendors and small business owners have been on the rise lately," the National Police Agency (NPA) was quoted as saying in a statement, adding that about 8,000 officers will be mobilized for the clampdown.
"The police have already obtained sufficient intelligence about organized gangsters setting up corporate entities in private loan, construction and entertainment businesses. Thus, the crackdown will be implemented in conjunction with the National Tax Service and financial watchdog agencies," it said.
The NPA noted it will offer special promotions and cash rewards of up to 50 million won ($45,500) to police officers and informants credited with arrests of key members of organized criminal rings.