"Committed Crime 7 Times and More"… 'Jangyeomman' Who Extorted 1 Billion Won from 456 People Sentenced to Prison Again in Appeal Trial

Business owner deceives 456 people to pocket 100 million won in settlement fees

A man nicknamed the 'Jangyeom Man,' who extorted settlement money from restaurant owners by falsely claiming to have suffered from food poisoning after dining, was sentenced to prison again in the appellate court.

On the 5th, the Jeonju District Court's 3-2 Criminal Division (Chief Judge Lee Chang-seop) dismissed the appeal of A (40), who was charged with fraud and attempted fraud, and upheld the original sentence of 3 years and 6 months in prison.

The appellate court stated, "The defendant has already committed the same type of crime seven times and has a history of receiving fines or suspended prison sentences. The defendant committed the crime again during the recidivism period, and the damages have not yet been restored." It added, "Even considering the defendant's remorse, the fact that no settlement was reached with the victims means the original sentence is not excessively harsh or unjust," explaining the reason for dismissing the appeal.

A was indicted on charges of deceiving 456 restaurant owners and pocketing over 100 million won in settlement money over approximately 10 months from June last year to April this year. He committed the crime by calling numerous unspecified restaurants he never visited, claiming, "I dined with my party and contracted food poisoning," and demanding settlement money. When owners refused to settle, A threatened, "If you don't pay, I will report you to the authorities to have your business suspended."

Fearing their livelihoods would collapse due to administrative sanctions amid the economic downturn, terrified owners endured the threats and transferred amounts ranging from several hundred thousand to several million won to A's account. Investigations revealed that A moved between lodging facilities and targeted famous restaurants he found through internet searches, making 10 to 20 calls daily to attempt the crime. As the crime period extended, over 3,000 restaurants nationwide received calls demanding settlement money from A. It is known that A used the extorted money for lodging fees and dental treatment costs.

After realizing the crime belatedly, restaurant owners shared their experiences and damage cases online, warning other owners to "beware of the Jangyeom Man."