Kim Mo (43, imprisoned), a self-proclaimed fisherman, who stated that he gave money to incumbent prosecutors and journalists, was a 'miscellaneous criminal' who in the past was stealing money.



He used to pretend to be the secretary of a lawyer's office and scammed hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands of won, but when he was imprisoned in prison, he developed a relationship with Mr. A, a former journalist, and developed into a bold con artist who deceives the family of powerful politicians to receive billions of won.



Kim's fraud started in 2008.



He didn't have a specific job at the time, so he intercepted 160 million won from 36 people between 2008 and 2009 in the name of asking for a loan for depository expenses or pretending to be a lawyer's secretary to carry out personal rehabilitation and bankruptcy procedures.



So-called 'livelihood fraud', such as opening a mobile phone in someone else's name by forging a subscription application or contract, or receiving a water purifier rental service were also included in the crime.



He was arrested after 7 years of fugitive life and was sentenced to two years in prison in 2016. He was released on December 30, 2017 after being selected for a special pardon.



At the time of trial in this case, Mr. Kim was said to have been a 'miscellaneous criminal with nothing unusual'.



A legal figure who was involved in Kim's case said, "Kim never said anything to show off his connections with politicians, journalists, or influential people."



He said, "I said that I would come to an agreement with the victims, but I couldn't actually repay the amount of damage, so I couldn't reach an agreement," he said.



Kim started cheating again about six months after being released.



This time, he inherited an inheritance of 100 billion won and raised the scale to a wealthy man who owns dozens of fishing boats, a pool villa, and expensive foreign vehicles in his hometown of Pohang, Gyeongbuk.



He stole 11.6 billion won from 7 people from June 2018 to January this year in a way that he received and intercepted investment by claiming that he was doing a 'seondong squid' (squid quenched on board) business.



Among the victims was the older brother of former lawmaker Kim Moo-seong, who was defrauded of 8.65 billion won.



Mr. Kim introduced himself as operating a shipyard in Pohang or as an operator of a seafood processing company, but all were found to be non-substantial.



Most of the various social groups that he was active in under his position were found to be either non-existent or false.



Kim was able to approach and defraud the family of influential politicians because of his close friendship with A, a former journalist who he had a relationship with while imprisoned in prison.



While working as a reporter for many years, Mr. A made close acquaintances with influential figures in various fields, including politics, and was also active in the political realm.



He is the person who laid the bridge for Mr. Kim to meet key figures from all walks of life, including influential politicians.



This is Lee Do A who introduced Kim Moo-seong and his older brother to Kim.



With the help of Mr. A, Mr. Kim is known to have gained the trust of people around him by showing off his acquaintance with influential people, collecting investment funds and expanding his personal connections.



However, even Mr. A, who helped form his personal network, was drawn into a scam in the squid business and stole 1.75 billion won.



A political figure who had met Kim said, "Mr. Kim seemed to know many people in each field. After the meeting, he seemed to be a person who sent messages to attendees and gave money here and there."



Kim, who was arrested again on charges of fraud, made a 'bomb remark' by the police that he was introduced to the incumbent chief prosecutor, general police officer, and former and current journalists and knew them and provided money to them.



An unprecedented situation occurred where the police, who started an investigation based on his allegations, seized and searched the office of the incumbent prosecutor.



As the faces of those related to him became known one after another, not only his hometown Pohang, but also the whole country was buzzing.



Police are investigating the charges of violating the Solicitation and Graft Act against former Seoul Southern District Prosecutors, who were recently demoted to deputy chief prosecutor, former Pohang Southern Police Chief who was recently sacked, former Chosun Ilbo editorial member Lee Dong-hoon, and TV Chosun anchor Eom Seong-seop.



Kim, a donor of money, was also arrested.