What Punishment Awaits the YouTuber Wanted for Alleged Embezzlement of Jeongin's Donation?

Suspected of withdrawing sponsorship funds for food, accommodation, and fuel expenses

Experts believe that the YouTuber who received donations using Jeong In-yang's name and then used them for personal purposes could be charged with embezzlement and fraud. The photo is unrelated to the specific content of the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] A YouTuber who received donations by using the adopted child Jeong-in, who died from abuse by adoptive parents, and then used the funds for personal purposes has been wanted by the police. Experts judge that "there is a high possibility that embezzlement and fraud charges will be applied."

Earlier, the police recently issued a wanted notice for YouTuber A, who misappropriated donations raised in the name of Jeong-in. He is suspected of receiving 26 million KRW in donations into his personal account under the pretext of creating a memorial gallery for Jeong-in, then withdrawing the funds and using them for food, lodging, communication, and fuel expenses. However, on the 19th, A claimed on YouTube that the allegations against him were not true and stated, "Although I was wanted, the wanted notice was lifted this morning."

Experts believe that if A’s actions are proven true, embezzlement and fraud charges can be applied. Professor Lee Woong-hyuk of Konkuk University’s Department of Police Science appeared on YTN News Rider on the 21st and said, "Since the money was used for purposes other than the donation’s intended use, there is a strong suspicion of embezzlement. Also, since he falsely claimed to be creating a memorial space and deceived many good citizens, there is likely a fraud charge as well."

He also judged that charges for violating the Act on the Collection and Use of Donations could be applied. Professor Lee explained, "If donations accumulate to more than 10 million KRW per year, it is standard procedure to register with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety or local governments, but since this was not done, such charges may be applied."

Professor Lee added, "Of course, regarding sentencing, fraud can carry a prison term of up to 10 years, so there is a high possibility of imprisonment. Regardless of sentencing, this case is highly condemnable because the individual used such a matter for personal financial gain."

He cited the 'Tooth Fairy Dad' Lee Young-hak case as a similar example. Professor Lee said, "The Lee Young-hak case was a turning point that led to stricter regulations on donations. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety extended the period for posting donation collection and usage information on its website from the current 14 days to over 30 days." He added, "There are still many limitations regarding donation embezzlement. It seems necessary to have mandatory provisions requiring disclosure of donation usage details when donors request it."

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