Korean National Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for International Financial Crime in Northern Mariana Islands
Federal authorities announced the sentencing of Sung Peel Hwang, a 39-year-old man from the Republic of Korea and naturalized US citizen, for committing Bank Fraud and Money Laundering crimes in a US court in Hagatña, Guam.
Crimes Committed
Hwang, who served as an administrator at the Guam office of Korean Air Lines (KAL) at Guam International Airport, engaged in a fraudulent scheme from September 2015 to December 2018. During this period, Hwang:
- Failed to report the correct number of passengers on KAL flights
- Underpaid the associated Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) to Guam International Airport Authority (GIAA)
Consequences of the Crimes
The embezzled funds, totaling over $600,000, were used for Hwang’s personal expenses. The remaining funds amounting to over $3.5 million were deposited in his personal bank account.
Impact on the Victims
The following statements reflect the impact of Hwang’s crimes on the victims and the importance of accountability and deterrence:
“Hwang cheated his employer and the Guam International Airport Authority out of a significant sum of money,” stated US Attorney Shawn N. Anderson.
Efforts to Identify and Prosecute Criminals
The investigation was led by the FBI Guam Resident Agency and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Benjamin K. Petersburg, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Guam.
Sentencing and Repercussions
Hwang was ordered to serve 41 months in prison, supervised release for five years, pay restitution of $615,271.51, and a $200 special assessment fee.
Remarks from Law Enforcement Agencies
FBI Special Agent in Charge, Steven Merrill, emphasized the importance of addressing financial crimes that impact communities:
“This sentence sends a clear message to those contemplating similar criminal activities.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge, Adam Jobes, further added:
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that the Criminal Investigation Division remains dedicated to combating financial crimes and ensuring that those who commit fraud face the consequences of their actions.”