[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Seoyul] The prosecution has demanded a 40-year prison sentence for Kim Bonghyun (49), former chairman of Star Mobility and a key figure in the 'Lime scandal.' They also requested the confiscation of a fine amounting to 77,435,400,000 KRW and the seizure of his resident registration card.
On the 16th at around 2 p.m., during the sentencing hearing held at the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 13 (Presiding Judge Lee Sangju), the prosecution requested the court to sentence former chairman Kim, who is charged with embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes.
The prosecution stated, "The defendant pretended to appear for questioning related to Suwon Passenger Transport but suddenly fled, roaming all over Seoul with a luxury hotel and a chauffeur," adding, "He committed crimes related to Star Mobility while hiding profits and shows no remorse for his crimes."
They further said, "The defendant approached the trial with resentment towards accomplices, subordinates, victims who suffered enormous damages, and witnesses due to him," and "Throughout the trial process, the victims remain completely unaware."
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," adding, "Considering that his accomplices participated in the normal investigation process, accepted responsibility, and received heavy sentences, the main culprit should be sentenced more severely."
In response to the prosecution's demand, Kim’s defense attorney argued, "The defendant does not claim to be innocent," but added, "There are aspects where he was unfairly implicated, and as can be seen from phone calls, some related parties shifted blame onto the defendant."
Wearing a prison uniform, Kim made his final statement, asserting, "I did not embezzle the approximately 70 billion KRW that the prosecution seeks to confiscate," and "I cannot admit to using it for personal purposes."
He also said, "My face is well known, so I cannot go anywhere," and "If given a chance for leniency, I will do my best to restore the damages."
Kim has been on trial for violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement) and other charges. He is accused of embezzling 24.1 billion KRW of operating funds from the bus company Suwon Passenger Transport. After acquiring Star Mobility, he was indicted for embezzling 40 billion KRW invested by Lime and 37.7 billion KRW of assets held by Hanggun Sangjohoe after acquiring it, as well as providing money and goods to political circles and the prosecution. Kim was detained and indicted in May 2020 but was released on bail in July last year and remained out of custody until November last year.
The sentencing hearing was originally scheduled for November 11 last year but was postponed to the 12th after Kim cut off the electronic bracelet on his wrist near Paldang Bridge in Hanam City, Gyeonggi Province, about an hour and a half before the trial.
The prosecution arrested Kim on December 29 last year at an apartment on the 9th floor in Dongtan New Town, Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province, after he had been missing following his escape. The arrested Kim was transported to the Southern Detention Center and admitted on the same day. According to the prosecution, there was a commotion during the arrest as Kim attempted to escape through a veranda window.
During the 48 days after his escape, Kim’s whereabouts were unclear, raising speculation about possible illegal departure to China, but the prosecution believed he remained in the country and continued the investigation. The prosecution also identified several vehicles suspected to have been used by Kim during his escape and checked them through the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Wanted Vehicle Search System (WASS).
After Kim’s arrest, the sentencing hearing was scheduled for the 12th, but Kim submitted a non-attendance letter citing "unstable health conditions" and did not appear, leading to the trial being postponed that day. The court stated, "The defendant is delaying the trial," and "A warrant for detention will be issued, and if the defendant is absent again at the next trial date, the trial will proceed in absentia." A trial in absentia is conducted without the defendant present in court.
Kim’s sentencing hearing is scheduled to be held at around 2 p.m. on the 9th of next month at the Seoul Southern District Court.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
