Threatened Restaurant by Phone Saying "Will Get You Shut Down"
Extorted Over 100 Million Won in Settlement Fees by Calling More Than 3,000 Places
A man known as the 'Jangyeom Man,' who extorted settlement money by falsely claiming to have suffered from food poisoning after dining at restaurants, was sentenced to prison in the first trial.
The Jeonju District Court Criminal Division 5 (Judge Park Sang-gon) announced on the 28th that A (40), who was indicted on charges of fraud and attempted fraud, was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison.
From June last year to April this year, over approximately 10 months, A called numerous unspecified restaurants, claiming, "I dined with my party and contracted food poisoning," and demanded settlement money. However, it was confirmed that A had never actually visited these restaurants. Investigations revealed that when restaurant owners refused to pay, he even threatened, "I will report you to the authorities and have your business suspended." Concerned about potential administrative sanctions and damage to their businesses, owners paid A settlement amounts ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of won.
Some owners requested receipts to verify the meal or medical certificates confirming food poisoning. In such cases, A sometimes ceased his fraudulent activities. Through this method, A deceived 456 restaurant owners and extorted over 100 million won in settlement money. The investigation also revealed that despite having a prior conviction and prison sentence for similar crimes, he committed the offenses again just two months after his release.
A moved between lodging facilities, searched for restaurants online, and made 10 to 20 calls daily to attempt his crimes. As the crime period extended, it was found that over 3,000 restaurants nationwide received calls from A demanding settlement money. In response, victimized owners shared information online, warning each other to beware of the 'Jangyeom Man.' During the investigation, he stated that the settlement money he received was spent on lodging fees and dental treatment costs.
Judge Park stated, "The defendant committed crimes against numerous unspecified victims during the probation period after being punished for similar offenses, which is highly condemnable. Considering that he has not made any efforts to restore the damages and that many victims desire punishment, a prison sentence for the defendant is inevitable."
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