The prosecution has appealed the first-instance acquittal of the elder sister of former Star Mobility CEO Kim Bong-hyun, who is accused of involvement in his escape plan in the “Lime Fund scandal.”
Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office submitted an appeal on the 15th against the not-guilty verdict for Kim (53), who stood trial on charges of instigating escape and attempted aiding the escape of a detained person.
Kim is accused of assisting Kim Bong-hyun, who was out on bail in November 2022, by staying in the U.S. while he cut off his electronic monitoring device and fled. According to prosecutors, Kim connected Hong, an entertainment agency official, and her lover A to relay investigation updates to Kim Bong-hyun.
Kim also faces charges of involvement in a prison break plan for Kim Bong-hyun, who was detained at Seoul Southern Detention Center in June 2023. At the time, Kim Bong-hyun allegedly recruited an inmate by promising 2 billion Korean won if he escaped, and Kim was found to have contacted the inmate’s acquaintance and provided 10 million Korean won for a burner phone.
Judge Seo Ji-won of Seoul Southern District Court’s Criminal Division 5 acquitted Kim on the 8th. The court stated, “Mere facilitation of a call between Kim Bong-hyun and A does not constitute instigation of escape.”
Regarding the attempted aiding charge, the court added, “The evidence submitted by prosecutors is insufficient to prove Kim had the intent or awareness to assist the escape.” Earlier, prosecutors had demanded a two-year prison sentence during the final hearing in June.
The “Lime Fund scandal,” for which Kim Bong-hyun is the main suspect, involves Lime Asset Management’s 2019 suspension of redemptions after concealing losses from overseas funds, causing around 1.7 trillion Korean won in damages to investors.
Kim Bong-hyun was confirmed guilty of embezzling a total of 125.8 billion Korean won from bus company Suwon Passenger Transport, Star Mobility, and the Korea Veterans Association mutual aid fund, receiving a 30-year prison sentence from the Supreme Court in 2023.
jasdooit 
Leave a comment