Lee, the actual operator of QBZ (Queenbee Coin) company Queenbee Company, was acquitted on the 29th on charges of aiding political funds law violations.
Seoul Southern District Court Judge Ko So-young ruled that the funds cannot be classified as political funds, acquitting all four defendants including Lee.
The case involved allegations that Lee aided shaman Jeon Seong-bae in illegally exchanging 100 million won during the 2018 Yeongcheon City mayoral election.
Under South Korea's Political Funds Act, funds must be provided to individuals engaged in political activities to constitute a violation.
Court Rules Funds Do Not Constitute Political Contributions
Judge Ko divided the 100 million won into portions attributed to Jeon and portions attributed to Liberty Korea Party (now People Power Party) officials including lawmaker Yoon Han-hong.
The court found Jeon does not qualify as an elected official or candidate, and prosecution evidence was insufficient to prove he engaged in political activities.
Regarding funds allegedly directed to Yoon and other politicians, Judge Ko stated the funds were not clearly earmarked for political activities and no evidence proved the 100 million won was actually delivered to Yoon.
The court concluded the funds do not meet the legal definition of political funds under the Political Funds Act.
Judge Ko also acquitted Jeon on separate fraud charges, ruling there was no intent to deceive or embezzle.
The three other defendants, including the election candidate, were acquitted on aiding charges because the funds' political nature was not established and delivery to Yoon was not proven.
Lee Faces Multiple Pending Criminal Trials
Lee is involved in several other criminal cases beyond this acquittal.
Lee received a suspended sentence for bribing a police officer regarding the QBZ hacking incident.
Lee is currently on trial for alleged coin fraud involving 30 billion won, bribing media outlets, and intentionally leaking Bitcoin held by police.
FAQ
What charges was QBZ operator Lee acquitted of on the 29th?
Lee was acquitted of aiding political funds law violations. Seoul Southern District Court ruled the 100 million won in question does not constitute political funds under South Korea's Political Funds Act, as the funds were not proven to be provided to individuals engaged in political activities or delivered to the alleged recipients.
What other criminal cases is Lee currently facing?
Lee received a suspended sentence for bribing a police officer in the QBZ hacking case. Lee is on trial for alleged 30 billion won coin fraud, bribing media outlets, and intentionally leaking Bitcoin held by police authorities.
