(Yicai Global) March 2 -- Shanghai police have arrested three suspects for a fraud case related to the COVID-19 outbreak that involves over CNY13 million yuan (USD1.86 million), the city's public security bureau said today.

The suspects spread misinformation in the name of a fake international organization and marketed a type of disinfectant used for skin problems as effective in preventing the novel coronavirus, according to local police.

They sold nearly 1,000 bottles of the disinfectants and earned over 70,000 yuan of illegal profits.

They also signed scam contracts with companies in need of preventive materials and gained 13 million yuan from 10 companies and nearly 60 individuals without bringing the actual supplies. They were arrested on Feb. 25.

The case was under further investigation.

Editor: Xia Ruirui