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[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] A gallerist who was accused of embezzling hundreds of millions of won from victims by claiming to purchase paintings by famous artists on their behalf to repay personal debts was sentenced to probation in the first trial.

The Criminal Division 4 of the Seoul Western District Court (Judge Park Bomi) announced on the 8th that A (37), who was tried on charges of fraud, was sentenced to 8 months in prison with 2 years of probation.

Judge Park stated the sentencing reasons, saying, "Although the amount defrauded by the defendant was large and no settlement was reached with the victims, the defendant admitted to the crime and showed remorse, recovered most of the damages, and has no prior criminal record."

A was indicted for deceiving victims by receiving paintings from famous artists under the pretext of lending them in April last year, with the intention of selling them elsewhere. In addition, in May last year, he was charged with embezzling money by claiming to sell paintings despite having no intention or ability to purchase them, and in June last year, he was also accused of receiving cash transfers under the pretext of acting as a purchasing agent for paintings.

According to the court, the total amount he embezzled was 127.6 million won, and the painters mentioned during his fraudulent acts included Choi Youngok, Kim Taeho, Mark Queen, and Edgar Plans.