Rhyme Suspect's Disappearance Aided by Driver, Both Admit to Harboring a Fugitive in Trial

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don, Intern Reporter Kim Sung-won] Those who aided the suspects in fleeing after the Lime Asset Management (Lime) scandal broke out admitted to the charges in their first trial.

At the trial held on the morning of the 10th under the presiding of Judge Lee Sang-hoon of Criminal Division 11 at the Seoul Southern District Court, three individuals including Kim, who worked as a driver for former Shinhan Financial Investment team leader Shim, stated, "We mostly admit to the prosecution's charges."

They are accused of embezzling about 70 million won of company funds under Shim's instructions and providing it as funds for the fugitive. They are also charged with providing Shim with a hiding place, as well as food, daily necessities, and mobile phones.

After the Lime scandal broke out, former team leader Shim went into hiding last November when an arrest warrant was requested against him, failing to appear for the warrant hearing. With their help, he continued to evade capture for about five months before being arrested in April along with former Lime Vice President Lee Jong-pil and others.

The next hearing for Kim and others is scheduled for December 1 at 11 a.m.

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