50s on Probation for Extorting Money Under the Pretense of Reporting at Construction Site

Threatened to Write Articles on On-Site Violations
Received Bribes 54 Times Worth 18.5 Million Won

A man in his 50s who extorted about 10 million won by threatening to write articles about various illegal activities while inspecting construction sites was sentenced to a suspended prison term. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] A man in his 50s who extorted about 10 million won by threatening to write articles about various illegal activities while touring construction sites was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

On the 14th, the Suwon District Court Criminal Division 4 (Judge Kim Doohong) announced that A (57), who was indicted on charges of habitual extortion, was sentenced to 8 months in prison with a 2-year suspension and ordered to perform 120 hours of community service.

The court stated the reason for sentencing, saying, "The defendant pretended to be an environmental newspaper reporter or an environmental group activist, threatened to report illegal activities to government offices while roaming construction sites, and extorted money, which is a serious offense. During the investigation, he also forced victims to give favorable statements, showing unfavorable circumstances after the crime."

A was charged with attaching a sign on the front windshield of his vehicle stating it was a broadcast reporting vehicle and threatening to write articles about illegal activities while touring construction sites in Gyeonggi Province from July 2016 to November 2018. He received gift cards or cash worth about 18.5 million won in 54 instances.

Investigations revealed that A joined an environmental organization in 2016 and, after being granted the qualification to write articles on an internet broadcasting site, carried a press ID card labeled "PRESS" while committing the crimes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.