Police arrest bogus uncle of U.S. golfer

Suseo Police in Seoul said yesterday it had arrested a 46-year-old man, misrepresenting himself as an uncle of Korean-American golf star Michelle Wie, on charges of fraudulently obtaining 14.7 billion won ($14 million) from investors.
According to the police, the man, with the same family name as the golfer, took money from 970 investors, promising them large profits from investment in a shoe sterilizing business.
Mr. Wie allegedly attracted investors by telling them Michelle Wie was going to build a golf course in Jangheung, South Jeolla province, the hometown of her grandfather and that she would promote the shoe sterilizing business near the course for free.
Police said Mr. Wie had misrepresented himself as Michelle Wie’s uncle since last year.
A police officer said, “Mr. Wie had lived with Michelle Wie’s grandfather in the same town, but is not related to her.” Michelle Wie also has no plans to build a golf course, he added.
Mr. Wie had had a picture taken with Michelle Wie when she visited Korea in 2003 and allegedly used the shot to illustrate his connection to the golf star.

by Sohn Hae-yong