S. Korean fugitive is returned home from LA area

[November 20, 2010]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A South Korean fugitive captured in the Los Angeles area has been returned to his native country where he's accused of stealing millions from a firm he directed.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Los Angeles say Bae Chang-kul was handed over to Seoul police at that city's airport on Friday.

Bae is accused of withdrawing more than $37 million from his company's account in January 2003 and fleeing to the United States one year later.

U.S. immigration officials captured the 48-year-old in August in the city of Arcadia, where he was found with a long-expired visa. He waived his right to an extradition hearing and agreed to be repatriated in October.

[Associated Press]

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