“Handled Gambling Case, Then Became Addicted”… Lawyer Who Embezzled Over 200 Million Won Arrested

Received 240 Million Won from Eight Clients
Apprehended at Lodging Establishment After a Year in Hiding

A lawyer, who became addicted to gambling while handling gambling-related cases and embezzled over 200 million won in client retainers and settlement fees, was apprehended by police after more than a year on the run.

According to Yonhap News on July 14, Incheon Michuhol Police Station announced that it had arrested and referred Mr. A, a male lawyer in his 50s, to the prosecution on charges of fraud.

Mr. A is accused of receiving and misappropriating a total of 240 million won in retainers and settlement fees from eight clients between late 2023 and recently.

He reportedly failed to properly inform clients about the progress of their cases after receiving money, and subsequently cut off contact with them.

During police questioning, Mr. A stated, "I became addicted to gambling while handling gambling-related cases," and admitted, "I also used the money received from my clients for gambling."

Police began their investigation after receiving several complaints against Mr. A for fraud from late 2024 through last year.

In April of last year, Mr. A was apprehended and a request was made for a detention warrant; however, the prosecution did not apply for the warrant, citing insufficient evidence at the time.

After his release, Mr. A failed to comply with multiple police summons and went into hiding. Following approximately one year of pursuit, police arrested him on June 21 at a lodging establishment in the Jeonnam region.

The police reapplied for a detention warrant for Mr. A, and the court granted it on the grounds that he posed a flight risk.

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