Key figure in SK trial extradited from Taiwan

Former SK Shipping Co. advisor Kim Won-hong, a key figure in SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won’s slush fund case, was extradited to Korea from Taiwan Thursday.

Taiwan accepted Korean authorities’ request for his extradition made Tuesday.

Kim was singled out as a key figure in Chey’s alleged embezzlement activities, but has avoided prosecution by refusing to return to Korea from Taiwan. Kim, however, was arrested by Taiwanese authorities for violating immigration laws in July. 

In January, Chey was given a four-year prison sentence for embezzling 45 billion won ($42 million) from SK Group companies.

Chey has since appealed, claiming that he was responsible for making bad investment decisions but that he had no part in the embezzlement of company funds.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)