Court: "The methods were meticulous and bold"
Prison sentences, fines, and confiscation orders totaling 32 billion won
A group that diverted Russian snow crabs and king crabs worth billions of won by modifying refrigerated trucks at Donghae Port and Sokcho Port has been sentenced to lengthy prison terms. The total amount of confiscation orders for the group reaches approximately 32 billion won.
According to Yonhap News on October 23, Presiding Judge Ki Jinseok of the Gangneung Branch Court’s Criminal Division 1 sentenced Mr. A (age 43), who was indicted on charges of aggravated theft, attempted aggravated theft, and violation of the Customs Act, to five years in prison and a fine of 15 million won. The court also ordered the confiscation of approximately 3.73 billion won.
The court sentenced B (age 38) and 16 other accomplices to prison terms ranging from one year to three years and six months, along with fines between 1 million and 15 million won each. Of the 17 group members, only two, who had relatively minor involvement, received suspended sentences, while the remaining 15 received actual prison terms.
The group was ordered to forfeit criminal proceeds ranging from approximately 230 million won to 3.73 billion won per person, depending on their individual gains. The total amount of confiscation for all involved amounts to 32 billion won.
From February 2023 to March of the following year, Mr. A and his accomplices were accused of smuggling Russian snow crabs and king crabs by diverting them from shipments unloaded at Donghae Port and Sokcho Port on 98 separate occasions.
Investigations revealed that, during the process of transferring the crabs to storage for import declaration procedures, the group diverted a portion of the unloaded seafood. They modified refrigerated trucks to create concealed compartments, using these spaces to smuggle the snow crabs and king crabs. The total amount smuggled reached 70 tons, valued at approximately 3.2 billion won.
Mr. A, who worked as a driver of a seafood transport refrigerated truck, conspired with seafood import company officials to divert the seafood. He subsequently recruited other drivers and dock workers, expanding the operation into an organized scheme. The group reportedly bribed port stevedoring company officials to manipulate personnel assignments and secure control over the unloading sites, carrying out their crimes with meticulous planning.
Donghae Police Station and Donghae Customs apprehended 10 suspects at the crime scene in March last year. They later seized ledgers and arrested all remaining suspects involved in the operation.
During the trial, most defendants admitted to the crimes and expressed remorse. Through their legal representatives, they reached settlements with some victims, and certain defendants either paid additional compensation or agreed to do so.
Presiding Judge Ki stated, "Given the meticulous and audacious methods, such as specially modifying refrigerated trucks, and the organized nature of the operation with divided roles, the severity of the crimes is significant," adding, "Sentences were determined by considering each person's leadership role, the distribution of criminal proceeds, and whether the offenses were committed during a repeat offender period."
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