Police Charge MLM Leader for Fraud Targeting Seniors with Fake Health Drink

A police investigation has led to the charging of a 71-year-old multi-level marketing (MLM) company leader, identified as Kim (김), for defrauding elderly customers by selling a mysterious drink marketed as a 'youth elixir' for millions of won. The drink, described as a cloudy beverage called 'mystical silica water' or 'youth-giving life water,' was falsely promoted as a health supplement, resulting in millions of won in profits for Kim. Some victims reported experiencing health issues, including respiratory problems and lung inflammation after consuming the drink. In 2023, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety conducted tests on the beverage, but the ingredients could not be verified. Despite the ongoing investigation, Kim is still actively selling a product referred to as 'longevity capsules' to seniors. In a video obtained by our publication, Kim was seen promoting these capsules, priced between 2 million to 3 million won, to potential investors in an office located in the Gasan Digital Complex in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul. He claimed that taking these capsules could allow individuals to live for about 150 years and mentioned that the production facility is associated with a well-known church. Additionally, he stated that he is involved in a renewable energy business, claiming to produce 'hydrogen gas' from waste materials, with plans to launch it once fossil fuel usage is banned in the future. A police official indicated that further investigations will be conducted if additional fraud allegations against Kim are confirmed.