Targeted Drunk Passengers With Fake Vomit Scam: Taxi Driver Extorted 150 Million Won From 160 Victims

Over 160 Victims, Damages Total 150 Million Won
Reoffended Four Months After Release for a Similar Crime... Sentenced to Four Years and Six Months in Prison

A taxi driver who extorted money by pretending that an intoxicated passenger had vomited while asleep has been sentenced to prison.

Seoul Northern District Court Exterior

On November 9, Judge Seo Younghyo of the Seoul Northern District Court Criminal Division 11 sentenced taxi driver A (68) to four years and six months in prison on charges of blackmail, attempted blackmail, and making false accusations.

According to the court ruling, A took advantage of a heavily intoxicated passenger who had fallen asleep, mixed beef porridge, coffee, and cola purchased from a convenience store to create filth, and smeared it on the passenger’s clothes and shoes, the taxi seat, and his own face to make it appear as if there were traces of vomit. He then threatened the passenger, saying things like, “You broke my glasses by kicking them with your shoe,” and “If we go to the police station, you’ll be arrested,” and extorted settlement money.

From January of last year for about one year, he continued this scheme in the Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Chungcheong regions. There were around 160 victims, and the total amount extorted reached 150 million won. In one instance, a victim transferred 6 million won at once as a settlement.

The police conducted a sting operation, disguised themselves as passengers, boarded his taxi, and filmed the scene, leading to A’s arrest in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, in April of this year as he was caught in the act.

The court stated, “The defendant has a poor record, having committed the same crime again just four months after serving two years and six months in prison for a similar offense,” and handed down a heavy sentence. The court also noted, “The scale and method of the crime are serious. No restitution has been made, and the victims are demanding severe punishment.” However, the court added, “Consideration was given to the defendant’s admission of guilt and remorse, as well as his advanced age and financial circumstances.”