"Mask Supply Promise" 1.3 Billion Fraud by 40s... Court Sentences 4 Years Imprisonment

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] A man in his 40s who was prosecuted on charges of taking money by promising to supply masks to companies struggling during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic 'mask crisis' was sentenced to imprisonment in the first trial.

The Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Moon Byungchan) announced on the 27th that it sentenced Hwang Mo (47), who was indicted for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (fraud), to four years in prison.

The court pointed out, "The defendant deceived the victim companies by promising to supply masks at the agreed price, quantity, and delivery deadline, despite having neither the intention nor the ability to do so, and embezzled a large sum of money under the pretext of mask payments," adding, "He also received approximately 155 million won worth of masks from other victim companies and failed to pay for them."

It continued, "The defendant denies the crimes against the victim companies with unconvincing excuses in this court, trying to evade responsibility, shows no sincere remorse, and has taken no measures to restore the damages."

However, the court stated the sentencing rationale, "He admits to the fraud against the companies that supplied masks and shows an attitude of remorse, and the defendant's mother has petitioned for leniency."

Hwang was indicted on charges of embezzling about 1.3 billion won as an advance payment after telling a victim company in February 2020, "I will supply 1.05 million KF94 masks at 1,450 won each within a week," and "Due to the COVID-19 situation, the factory is in a strong position, so a prepayment is required to verify the factory."

Additionally, Hwang is accused of deceiving a mask manufacturer by saying, "If you deliver 500,000 masks, I will transfer 155 million won for the mask payment," and receiving 500,000 masks on the spot.

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