20-Year Manhunt Ends:Ecuador Arrests South Korean Fugitive Accused of Child Sex Crimes

A South Korean fugitive is in custody by Ecuadorian police for sexually assaulting children in South Korea after fleeing for 20 years.

According to local media outlets in Ecuador, Ecuadorian police arrested Lee in a shopping mall in Samborondón, Guayas Province, Ecuador, on the 18th.

The media revealed Lee’s name and face, saying, “It took nearly 20 years to arrest Lee.” In the photo released by the media, Lee was seen wearing black-rimmed glasses with a tattoo of a woman’s face on his left neck.

The police released a statement through social media, “We apprehended high-level criminal in Guayaquil.”

Lee was wanted on five charges, including sexual assault and violating the Information and Communications Network Act in South Korea.

Lee lived an affluent life in Guayaquil, the capital of Guayas Province, running an electronic devices business.

Although it is unclear when Lee entered Ecuador, the media speculated that he illegally entered in 2006.

Lee’s investigation and prosecution were suspended as he fled abroad.

The local investigator stated that there are five convictions against the individual, including charges of sexual assault and violations related to the use of information and communications networks. Moreover, the investigator confirmed evidence supporting the crimes attributed to Lee.

The Ministry of Justice has filed for Lee’s extradition to South Korea, which will be processed shortly.