Former Incheon Port Authority Executive Sentenced to 8 Years for Demanding 400 Million Won Bribe from Private Firm

Former and current employees of Incheon Port Authority (IPA) who demanded a bribe of around 400 million won from a private company have been sentenced to heavy prison terms and were taken into custody in court.

On the 12th, the 12th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court (Presiding Judge Choi Younggak) sentenced former IPA executive A (62), who was indicted on charges of bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, to eight years in prison and a fine of 400 million won. The court also sentenced employee B (54), who was indicted on the same charge, to six years in prison and a fine of 400 million won.

A and others were brought to trial on charges of demanding a bribe of about 400 million won from a private company in connection with a sports facility development project promoted in the hinterland of Incheon North Port between February and March 2023.

The investigation found that their demand for a bribe was partially substantiated in Incheon Port Authority's own special audit, but as the project did not proceed as planned, it was determined that no money or valuables actually changed hands. A retired upon the expiration of his term, and B has been suspended from duty.

Incheon Port Authority Headquarters

The court stated, "A claimed that he had nothing to do with the bribe, but several witnesses appeared and gave consistent testimony," adding, "He demanded a 100 million won retainer, a 300 million won success fee, and separate service fees, so it makes no sense to say that he did not specifically demand a bribe."

The court continued, "At the time, A held the position of vice president, which makes him highly blameworthy," and explained the reasons for sentencing by saying, "We also took into account that he has no prior criminal record for similar offenses other than fines."

Regarding B, the court found, "He played a key role in the process of demanding the bribe and provided project information, which makes the nature of the crime particularly bad," and added, "His conduct undermined fairness and propriety in the performance of official duties, but we considered the fact that this is his first offense."

Previously, at the sentencing hearing held on January 20, the prosecution had requested a sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of 800 million won for A, and seven years in prison and a fine of 800 million won for B.

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