Prosecution Requests 40-Year Prison Sentence and 77.4 Billion Won Confiscation for 'Lime Mastermind' Kim Bong-hyun (Update)

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Seoyul] The prosecution has demanded a 40-year prison sentence for former Star Mobility chairman Kim Bong-hyun, known as the 'Lime mastermind.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 16th, at the sentencing hearing held before the 13th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Lee Sang-joo), the prosecution requested the court to sentence former chairman Kim, who was indicted on charges of embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, to 40 years in prison, confiscate 77,435,400,000 KRW, and seize his resident registration card.

The prosecution stated the reason for the demand, saying, "The defendant pretended to attend the interrogation related to Suwon Passenger Transport but suddenly fled, roaming all over Seoul with a luxury hotel and a chauffeur. He committed crimes related to Star Mobility while hiding profits and shows no remorse for his crimes." They also added, "Because of the defendant, accomplices, subordinates, victims who suffered enormous damages, and witnesses approached the trial with resentment. Throughout the trial process, the victims remain completely unrecognized."

Furthermore, regarding the incident last November when he cut off his electronic ankle bracelet and fled just before the sentencing hearing, the prosecution said, "The moment he cut off the electronic bracelet, he confirmed himself as a criminal who should be isolated from our society." They added, "The accomplices participated in the normal investigation process, accepted responsibility, and received heavy sentences."

Previously, former chairman Kim had been on trial for violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement) and other charges. He was accused of embezzling 24.1 billion KRW of operating funds from the bus company Suwon Passenger Transport, embezzling 40 billion KRW invested from Lime after acquiring Star Mobility, and embezzling 37.7 billion KRW of assets held by the Veterans' Mutual Aid Association after acquiring it. He was also indicted on charges of providing money and entertainment to political circles and the prosecution.