Driver who aided fugitive in 'Yeongpung Paper stock manipulation' sentenced to suspended prison term in first trial

Jung Mo (55), who is accused of aiding the escape of Lee Mo, the key defendant in the Youngpoong Paper stock manipulation scandal, was sentenced to a suspended prison term. This is the first verdict related to the Youngpoong Paper case.

The Criminal Division 12 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Dang Woojeung) sentenced Jung to 10 months in prison with a 2-year suspension on the same day. The court stated, "The defendant played a crucial role in aiding Lee's escape despite knowing that the investigative authorities were tracking him, and actively cooperated in the escape despite being aware of the seriousness of Lee's charges. Considering this, the culpability is not light," and added, "All of the defendant Jung's crimes are recognized as guilty."

The group involved in Yeongpung Paper stock manipulation is appearing at the Seoul Southern District Court last year. (Photo by Yonhap News)

However, the court added, "It took into account that the defendant fully confessed to the crimes and is showing remorse, and that he was in a position as Lee's driver and had to follow his instructions."

Lee, the mastermind behind the Youngpoong Paper stock manipulation organization, fled the investigation around October last year but was caught in January while attempting to stow away to Vietnam by sea from Jeju Island. Jung, Lee's driver, was arrested and indicted on December 1 last year on charges of aiding Lee's escape.

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