Kim Bong-hyun, Chairman of Star Mobility, is coming out of the detention center at Suwon Nambu Police Station in Gyeonggi Province on the morning of the 24th to be investigated by the Intelligent Crime Investigation Unit of the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Kim Bong-hyun, chairman of Star Mobility, who was caught by the police after more than five months on the run, has revealed his first appearance since his arrest. Chairman Kim is identified as the 'money master' behind the Lime scandal, which caused damage worth 1.6 trillion won, and is considered a key figure in political and governmental lobbying.
On the morning of the 24th, around 9:30 a.m., Kim was transferred from the detention center at Suwon Nambu Police Station in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province, where he had been held since the previous day for investigation into the embezzlement case involving Suwon Passenger Transport. He was then moved to the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency. When reporters asked whether he admitted to the charges or if he had any words for the victims of the Lime scandal, Kim remained silent and got into the transfer van.
The police have begun a full-scale investigation into Kim. They are expected to focus on the circumstances surrounding the embezzlement of 16.1 billion won from Suwon Passenger Transport’s company funds, as well as the whereabouts of former executives of Suwon Passenger Transport who disappeared after committing the crime.
After the police investigation is completed and Kim is handed over to the prosecution, it is anticipated that the investigation into the Lime Asset Management scandal will intensify. Kim, along with former Lime Vice President Lee Jong-pil, who was also arrested, is considered the 'core figure' in this case.
Kim is suspected of bribing Kim Mo, a former Blue House administrator from the Financial Services Commission (who is currently detained), with 49 million won and obtaining information related to prosecutors involved in the Lime scandal. He is also accused of embezzling 51.7 billion won from Star Mobility’s company funds and siphoning off 30 billion won in deposits after acquiring the Veterans Association Funeral Service.
Kim fled after an arrest warrant was issued in December last year for the Suwon Passenger Transport embezzlement case but was apprehended by the police the day before at a villa in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Former Vice President Lee was also arrested at the same time. Lee was immediately transferred to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office, which is investigating the Lime scandal.
A police official stated, "We formed a dedicated arrest team and conducted intensive tracking investigations on communications, accounts, and associates, which led to the successful arrest. We plan to apply for an arrest warrant after questioning Chairman Kim."
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