First Foreigner Under Investigation in Chinese Football Anti-Corruption Probe
"Could Face Up to 5 Years in Prison," Experts Say
Son Junho, a South Korean national soccer player detained by Chinese public security on bribery charges, may face up to five years in prison, according to reports.
On the 17th (local time), Chinese media Sina.com cited legal experts saying, "Son Junho could be imprisoned for up to five years."
Son Junho was arrested by local public security while attempting to leave Shanghai Airport on the 12th and is currently under criminal detention. Criminal detention refers to a forced investigation measure where a suspect or person caught in the act is temporarily detained for investigative purposes. It is reported that he is currently being investigated by the Chaoyang Public Security Bureau in Liaoning Province.
Earlier, on the 16th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated at a regular briefing, "A South Korean national has been criminally detained on suspicion of bribery as a non-state actor." The charge of "bribery by a non-state actor" applies when a person belonging to a company or other entity, not a government agency, illegally accepts property by abusing their official position. For athletes, this charge can apply if they receive or give money or valuables in relation to unfair requests concerning matches, i.e., bribery.
Son Junho has been playing for the Chinese professional soccer team Shandong Taishan since 2021. Recently, the team's coach Hao Wei and some players have been under investigation by authorities for misconduct including match-fixing.
According to the media, Son Junho is the first foreign player in Chinese soccer to be investigated for anti-corruption related matters. Previously, former Chinese national team player Sun Si was sentenced to six years in prison and fined 500,000 yuan (approximately 95 million KRW) for bribery charges, but Son Junho is reportedly the first foreigner to face such charges.
However, Professor Yin Bo of China University of Political Science and Law stated, "Even foreigners who violate criminal law in China must be criminally punished according to Chinese law," and added, "In the case of bribery by a non-state actor, the sentence can be up to five years in prison."
Chinese lawyer Hu Yongping explained, "If the amount of bribery is between 60,000 yuan and 1 million yuan (approximately 11.45 million KRW to 191 million KRW), the sentence can be up to five years in prison; if it exceeds 1 million yuan, the sentence can be more than five years." He also noted, "Deportation of foreigners who commit crimes can be considered separately."
Meanwhile, the Korean Consulate General in Shenyang, China, conducted a consular visit to the detained Son Junho on the same day and reported that "there is no human rights violation." They also stated, "We plan to provide all necessary consular assistance to ensure Son Junho's human rights protection," and added, "Regarding investigation matters, it is understood that a lawyer will assist him."
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