Prosecutors have requested heavy sentences for Korean members involved in an international criminal organization based in Thailand.
On January 19, during the sentencing hearing for Mr. A, held by the 14th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Jeonghee), prosecutors asked the court to sentence Mr. A to 40 years in prison on charges of joining and participating in a criminal organization.
For Mr. B and Mr. C, who were tried together, prosecutors requested sentences of 30 years and 35 years in prison, respectively.
They were indicted for joining the criminal organization "Lungge Company," which operated in Thailand from April to June last year, and for defrauding a total of 6.64 billion won from 206 Korean victims through approximately 1,400 separate incidents.
Lungge Company is known to have been newly formed in October last year by members of a criminal group that previously operated in the Cambodia border region and then relocated its base to Thailand.
Investigations revealed that Mr. A joined the organization via Telegram and took on the role of team leader for the so-called "no-show team," impersonating military personnel or civilians to carry out criminal activities.
Prosecutors stated that Mr. A is also charged with assaulting and detaining a member who tried to leave the organization, as well as threatening the member's family while demanding repayment of money. In particular, it was found that Mr. A assaulted the member with his fists and feet after learning that the member had reported his detention to the Korean Embassy in Thailand.
However, after diplomatic authorities received a report that "my son has been detained in Thailand" and requested cooperation from the Thai police, Mr. A was ultimately apprehended locally.
In his final statement, Mr. A denied some of the charges but said, "My mother is here in court, and I am deeply sorry for not living properly due to my wrongful actions."
Meanwhile, the verdict in this case is scheduled to be delivered at 10:30 a.m. on February 11.
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