Prosecutor arrested after fleeing to Philippines over $2.2 million real estate fraud

A prosecutor from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, accused of orchestrating a massive real estate scam, has been arrested and detained. The suspect, identified as Kim Hong-seop, is alleged to have defrauded tenants of over 3 billion won (approximately $2.2 million USD) by failing to return their security deposits for dozens of properties he owned. The alleged fraud targeted around 70 officetel units in the Dongtan New City area of Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.

Kim reportedly submitted a leave of absence request to the prosecution office in September of last year, shortly after tenants began pursuing legal action over the unpaid deposits. He then fled to the Philippines, where he remained for approximately seven months. During his time in hiding, he was reportedly staying in the country on an expired visa, living as an illegal immigrant.

South Korean authorities, in cooperation with the Philippine National Police's Korean Desk, tracked Kim down to a hideout in Cebu. He was apprehended on April 15 and extradited back to South Korea on April 21. The Suwon District Court issued an arrest warrant for Kim on charges of fraud, citing the risk of him fleeing the country.

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There is a risk of him fleeing.