Former Tax Official Sentenced to Prison for Offering to Ease Tax Audit

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] A former tax official who received hundreds of millions of won under the pretext of helping to avoid tax audits has been sentenced to prison.

The Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 10 (Presiding Judge Kim Jeong-min) sentenced A (53), who was arrested and indicted on charges of fraud and violation of the Attorney Act, to 2 years and 6 months in prison and ordered the confiscation of 135 million won on the 22nd.

A is accused of embezzling a total of 185 million won from two businessmen from June 2019 to March 2020, after retiring as a tax official, under the pretext of settling tax audits or resolving tax arrears.

One of the businessmen was investigated for issuing false tax invoices to evade taxes, and when the tax authorities came to verify the related matters, he made such a request.

It was reported that one of them was acquainted with A as a friend.

A is also accused of using most of the illicit gains for illegal gambling.

Judge Kim stated, "This is a crime that damages the fairness of public officials' duties and the general public's trust in society, and strict punishment is necessary."

However, he explained the sentencing reasons by saying, "The defendant admitted the wrongdoing and is reflecting on it, and considering various circumstances such as some victims not wanting punishment."

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