'Long-Distance Customer Monopoly' Cheongju Airport Gangster Taxi Drivers Sentenced to Prison

Cheongju International Airport Photo by Korea Airports Corporation Cheongju Branch

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A group that formed a private organization to monopolize long-distance passengers at Cheongju International Airport and committed acts of violence against other taxi drivers was sentenced to imprisonment and fines.

On the 28th, according to Cheongju District Court, Chief Judge Kim Ryong of Criminal Division 4 sentenced A (59), the chairman of 'Cheongju Airport Call,' and organization member B (47), who were indicted on charges of obstruction of business, insult, and assault, to 1 year and 4 months and 10 months imprisonment respectively, and ordered their immediate detention in court.

Chief Judge Kim stated, "The victims strongly requested severe punishment, and the crimes caused harm such as refusal of rides and overcharging during the commission of the offenses, damaging the city's image, which is a serious offense."

He also explained the sentencing reason, saying, "The victims, who are older than the defendants, experienced extreme shame and humiliation, and violence was even committed against passengers protesting ride refusals, making a prison sentence unavoidable."

Organization member C (39), who assisted in the crimes, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment with a 2-year probation, and three others including D (61) were fined between 3 million and 400,000 won.

From 2015 to early 2019, A and his group formed a private organization called 'Cheongju Airport Call' and were tried on charges of obstructing business by verbally abusing and threatening other taxi drivers who were not members of the organization when they waited at the taxi stands inside Cheongju Airport, preventing them from operating.

In October 2018, B reportedly assaulted a taxi driver (58) attempting to pick up passengers at Cheongju Airport, breaking his rib. He is also said to have thrown punches at passengers protesting ride refusals.

They were found to have placed private organization stickers on the rear windows of their taxis and communicated using radios exclusively used by themselves, selectively monopolizing long-distance passengers.

A and his group were arrested by police who began investigations after receiving reports from the victimized taxi drivers.

A is reported to have a past record of 27 punishments for assault and obstruction of business, among other offenses.

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