Prosecutors Arrest and Indict Kim Bong-hyun's Nephew for Aiding Escape of 'Lime Scandal' Mastermind

Kim Bong-hyun's nephew, Kim, who is accused of helping the former Star Mobility chairman escape, is coming out after attending the warrant hearing held at the Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 8th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Seoyul] The prosecution has sent A, the nephew who helped former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyun, the main culprit of the 'Lime Scandal,' escape, to trial in custody on the 23rd.

The Criminal Division 6 of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Jundong) announced that A, who is accused of damaging public property, was indicted in custody on the same day. A has been under investigation by the prosecution for assisting former Chairman Kim in cutting off the electronic bracelet attached as a bail condition last month and fleeing just before the trial.

Under criminal law, a person who conceals or helps a criminal escape is subject to Article 151, the crime of aiding a criminal's escape, but this article does not apply if a relative helps the escape. The prosecution judged that former Chairman Kim was aware of this in advance and abused it, considering A as an accomplice in damaging the electronic device and applying the charge of damaging public property.

Earlier, the prosecution also indicted B, an entertainment agency official, and C, the boyfriend of former Chairman Kim's sister, on the 6th for aiding Kim's escape (aiding a criminal). For C, they also requested passport invalidation and an Interpol red notice.

The prosecution has formed a dedicated team to continue tracking former Chairman Kim, whose whereabouts have been unknown since his escape. A prosecution official emphasized, "We are doing our best to apprehend former Chairman Kim," and added, "We plan to impose severe punishment without exception on those who assist Kim, who is currently wanted."

Former Chairman Kim, the main culprit of the Lime Fund scandal with damages exceeding 1 trillion won, cut off the electronic bracelet on his wrist and fled near Paldang Bridge in Hanam City, Gyeonggi Province, on the afternoon of the 11th last month. Kim had been on trial without detention since last July when the court granted bail on the condition of wearing an electronic bracelet.