"Exploiting Lime Scandal for Crime... Serious Matter"
Lee: "I Was Merely a 'Front Man' with No Authority"
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for Lee Gang-se, CEO of Star Mobility, a KOSDAQ-listed company, who is accused of embezzling company funds and pocketing tens of millions of won under the pretext of lobbying in political and governmental circles.
On the 15th, at the sentencing hearing presided over by Judge Sung Bo-gi of the 11th Criminal Division at the Seoul Southern District Court, the prosecution asked the court to sentence Lee to eight years in prison and impose a fine of 70 million won.
The prosecution pointed out, "The defendant conspired with former Star Mobility chairman Kim Bong-hyun to embezzle a large amount of company funds," adding, "Despite the large-scale redemption suspension incident at Lime Asset Management, he took advantage of the situation to commit crimes, making the case serious."
They continued, "Although he participated in the crime to continue enjoying the economic benefits he received as the company’s CEO, he claims in court that he was only a nominal representative," emphasizing, "There are also charges of receiving money under the pretext of requesting favors from a prosecution investigator and the Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, which reflects the poor nature of the crime."
Lee was indicted on charges of embezzling 19.2 billion won of Star Mobility funds in conspiracy with former chairman Kim, using the money unrelated to company business, such as for the acquisition payment of the Veterans Association’s mutual aid society.
He is also accused of receiving 50 million won and 20 million won from former Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Kang Ki-jung and a prosecution investigator, respectively, under the pretext of requests for favors from former chairman Kim.
Lee’s defense attorney argued, "The actual owner of Star Mobility was Kim Bong-hyun, and all decisions were made by him," adding, "The defendant was merely a 'figurehead' who lent his name and only learned of the embezzlement later."
They further claimed, "The prosecution has not presented any physical evidence related to the lobbying funds for former Senior Secretary Kang," and "The money received from Kim Bong-hyun was 10 million won, and the stated purpose was expenses for holding a press conference."
Lee himself explained, "Although I held the title of CEO, all important company approvals were made by Kim Bong-hyun and others," and "I did not receive text notifications about the company’s cash flow, and the seal registered under my name was held by Kim Bong-hyun."
The sentencing date for Lee has been set for the 13th of next month.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
