Identity of Defense Attorney in $76 Million Scam Case Sparks Interest

Lee Hee-jin accused of cryptocurrency fraud
Appoints former prosecutors as defense attorneys
Includes former Prosecutor General Moon Moo-il

Lee Hee-jin introduced to the media as the ‘Cheongdam-dong Stock Rich Man,’ was recently handed over to trial on charges of a $76 million cryptocurrency scam. Despite serving time for previous fraud charges, his continued criminal activities astounded the public. However, the real surprise was the unexpected individual among his defense attorneys.

According to News1, on the 12th, the first trial date for Lee Hee-jin and his brother Lee Hee-mun, is November 1st.

On the 4th, the Lee brothers were arrested on charges of embezzling a total of $76 million by issuing three types of coins, including PICA, from March 2020 to September of the same year, luring investors through false and exaggerated promotions, and then manipulating the market to sell the coins.

It was reported that Lee Hee-jin assembled a ‘super-luxury defense team’ of 18 people, including former prosecutors of the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office and lawyers from the largest law firms in the country. Among them was attorney Moon Moo-il, who served as the Prosecutor General from 2017 to 2019.

After stepping down, attorney Moon began working as a representative attorney at Sejong Law Firm, one of the largest law firms in the country, last year. In addition, attorneys Lee Jung-hwan, a former Deputy Chief Prosecutor of Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office and current center head, and former prosecutors Lee Eui-soo and Lee Kyung-sik were also on the defense team.

Netizens reacted with comments such as “Lee Hee-jin must have a lot of money,” “He makes others cry tears of blood, but he has a super-luxury defense team? I can’t believe it”, “Will he get a light sentence or no sentence? It’s a world where money talks”, and “How lightly must he have viewed the prosecution to have formed a defense team with former high-ranking officials? It’s a disgrace to the prosecution”.

Meanwhile, a perspective sees attorney Moon Moo-il as part of the ‘pro-Yoon’ faction. The Prosecutor General following attorney Moon was then-Seoul Central District Prosecutor Yoon, now the President. Like President Yoon, Attorney Moon was a strong opponent of reducing prosecutorial investigative authority.

In May, Samsung SDS appointed attorney Moon Moo-il as an outside director.

By. Heo Jae-woo