Two Diplomats Of Pakistan's Embassy In South Korea Caught Shoplifting, Saved By Diplomatic Immunity

According to the police of Seoul, capital of South Korea, two diplomats of the Pakistan Embassy were caught shoplifting at a store on Saturday (April 24).

According to a report published in The Korea Times, Yongsan Police Station said the two were caught stealing items at the same store in Itaewon, Yongsan District, on different dates.

One allegedly stole chocolate treats worth Won 1,900 ($10) on 10 January, and the other a hat worth Won 11,000 ($1.70) on 23 February.

After the hat was stolen, an employee at the store filed a police report shortly afterwards. The law enforcement authorities identified the suspect through CCTV footage as a 35-year-old diplomat of the Pakistan Embassy.

Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, diplomats and their families may avoid arrest, detention or indictment under certain laws of their host country.

The police noted that the store owner did not wish for punishment as a colleague of the diplomat paid for the item.

According to the police, the other alleged shoplifter, who also holds diplomatic immunity, remains under investigation.

Earlier in 2018, a Senior official of Pakistan’s Finance Ministry was caught on camera stealing a Kuwaiti diplomat’s wallet.