Korean facing estafa for non-delivery of car

CEBU - A Korean businessman was charged of estafa before the Regional Trial Court yesterday for the non-delivery of car to an Italian client.

The complainant, Antonio Reina, alleged that Keun Soo Lee, owner of Kim Chi Korean Motors in barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, duped him by having him pay the amount of P170,000 for a Kia Sportage which the Korean national had sold to him on October 19, 2007. 

Reina said he gave Lee the amount but the latter allegedly told him that he could not yet have the car delivered because it is undergoing engine reconditioning and body retouching, which would be completed in a week.

When Reina tried again to follow up on the vehicle that he brought, Lee told him that the repair and reconditioning was not yet finished.

Because of this, the complainant sent his lawyer to the car trading center of Lee in Kasambagan but the accused allegedly showed him a notarized deed of sale as proof that he will be delivering the car to Reina in due time. After a week, Reina tried to call Lee but he did not answer his calls.

On November 17, 2007, one of Reina’s counsels wrote a demand letter to Lee asking to deliver the vehicle or reimburse the P170,000 amount that he paid.

However, despite the demand letters that were sent, Lee still failed to deliver the car and did not pay the amount, prompting Reina to file the case. — Jasmin R. Uy/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)