30 Victims and 3.5 Billion Won in Damages from ‘Jeoncheongjo Fraud Allegations’... Investigation into Nam Hyunhee’s Possible Accomplice Role

The number of victims defrauded by Jeon Cheong-jo (27), who was known as the remarriage partner of former national fencing representative Nam Hyun-hee (42), has increased to 30, with the damage amounting to over 3.5 billion won.

Jeon Cheong-jo appeared at Songpa Police Station in Seoul on the morning of the 10th and was escorted to the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office while answering questions from the press. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 20th, a Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official stated, "Since Jeon was sent to prosecution in custody, seven additional victims have come forward," adding, "Currently, there are 30 victims, and the damage amount is estimated at over 3.5 billion won." There are three cases in which Nam was accused as an accomplice, with damages totaling over 1 billion won. A police official said, "We are thoroughly analyzing the forensic data from the mobile phones submitted by Nam, and after investigating her involvement in the crime, we will reach a conclusion."

Even after Jeon's custody and prosecution, complaints and accusations continue. On the 17th, a woman whom Jeon called "mom" filed a complaint accusing Jeon of fraud, claiming she was defrauded of 370 million won. Kim Min-seok, a member of the Seoul Gangseo District Council, announced that day, "Victim A filed a complaint at Songpa Police Station accusing Jeon, Nam, and Nam's ex-husband of fraud." It is reported that Jeon approached A in March last year, asking her to become her "mom," and then embezzled money under the pretexts of paying security guards' wages and covering car accident expenses. Councilman Kim claimed that evidence was found showing Jeon received large sums transferred from A to a borrowed-name account, and from that account, money flowed into Nam's account, urging an investigation into whether the two were accomplices.

On the 15th, Councilman Kim also reported to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, stating, "Nam, while serving as a director of the Korea Sports Council, received expensive luxury goods from Jeon, which may violate the Public Officials Ethics Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act." Employees affiliated with the Korea Sports Council are subject to the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. Nam held the director position from April 2021 until she voluntarily resigned.

Nam denies the suspicion of being an accomplice in the fraud, claiming she was unaware of the source of the money received from Jeon. Nam's lawyer stated in a message sent to reporters on the 11th, "Jeon deceived A to receive a large investment and continued to deceive Nam by using the money to purchase a Bentley and transferring funds to repay a mortgage loan. However, at that time, Nam had no knowledge that the money originated from A."

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