Former Star Mobility Chairman Kim Bong-hyeon (48), who caused 1.6 trillion won in damage to investors, broke the electronic ankle and fled on the 11th. Kim is considered to be the main culprit and key figure in the Lime Asset Management scandal. The Seoul South District Court was scheduled to hold a trial for Kim in relation to the Lime case from 3 pm on the same day.
The Seoul South District Prosecutors Office said on the same day, “Defendant Kim Bong-hyun fled after breaking an electronic ankle near Paldang Bridge around 1:30 pm today.” Police have issued a national wanted order and are tracking Kim’s whereabouts.
Prosecutors tried to re-arrest former Chairman Kim because he feared he might escape before the serious sentence, but he was dismissed twice by the court.
Since October 2018, Kim has been accused of stealing tens of billions of money earned by the Star Mobility company invested by Lime Asset Management, Suwon Passengers and Mutual Aid Association, and providing money and entertainment to politicians and prosecutors.
He was arrested and charged in May 2020, but was released on bail in July last year and has been remanded in custody. As a condition of bail, the court imposed a deposit of 300 million won on him, restrictions on housing, attachment of electronic devices to prevent escape, and prohibition of contact with witnesses and witnesses.
Prosecutors reportedly expected Kim to receive a severe sentence in this case.
Reporter Yonghoon Kwon fact@hankyung.com
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