Chinese Duo Sentenced for Pickpocketing Spree in Jeju

A court in Jeju, South Korea, has handed down prison sentences to two Chinese nationals in their 50s who were apprehended for a series of pickpocketing incidents in Jeju City. The individuals had entered South Korea under the visa-waiver program, a policy allowing citizens of certain countries to visit Jeju without a visa for tourism purposes.

The defendants, identified as Mr. A and Ms. B, were found guilty of attempted and completed theft. According to the indictment, the pair entered Jeju in late March and, by early April, had begun their criminal activities. On April 12, they targeted a victim in a traditional market in Jeju City, successfully stealing a wallet containing approximately 900,000 won (about $650 USD) from a bag hanging on a stroller while one distracted the victim.

“

The defendants confessed and are reflecting on their actions, and Mr. A has reached an agreement with some victims.

Their spree did not end there. The court heard that they had attempted another pickpocketing on April 7 but were discovered and fled. Further incidents included Ms. B stealing a mobile phone, identification card, and cash from a victim waiting at a crosswalk on April 6, and another theft of a wallet and identification documents from a traditional market just four days later.

Jeju District Court Judge Jeon Seong-jun sentenced Mr. A to eight months in prison and Ms. B to one year. While acknowledging the defendants' confessions, remorse, and Mr. A's partial restitution with some victims, the judge emphasized the severity of their actions. The court noted that the repeated thefts occurred shortly after their arrival in Jeju and that full restitution to all victims had not been achieved, leading to the imposition of custodial sentences.

“

However, the defendants committed multiple theft offenses just a few days after entering the country, and victim restitution is not complete.