Chinese national sentenced to prison for stealing $20,000 in luxury goods from Seoul stores

A Chinese national has been sentenced to six months in prison for stealing luxury goods valued at approximately 28 million won from department stores in Seoul. The Seoul Central District Court announced the sentence on August 8.

The 30-something man, identified only by his nationality, was indicted on charges of theft. Between August 22 and August 31 of last year, he allegedly committed 20 separate thefts from department stores located in Seoul's Yeongdeungpo and Jung districts.

According to the investigation, the man exploited moments when store employees' attention was diverted. He would place luxury clothing items into his bag and then leave the store undetected. He reportedly stole items worth 21.26 million won from one department store in Yeongdeungpo alone, across 16 separate incidents. In another department store in Jung district, he stole an additional 6.77 million won worth of items, including jackets and t-shirts, over four visits.

Presiding Judge Jang Ki-seok stated that the court took into account the fact that the defendant had reached settlements with 13 victims who suffered approximately 19 million won in damages. These victims expressed no desire for the defendant to be punished, which influenced the final sentencing.

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Considering that the defendant has reached settlements with 13 victims who suffered approximately 19 million won in damages, and that they do not wish to punish the defendant, the sentence was determined.