In a major embarrassment to the Imran Khan government, two diplomats from the Pakistan Embassy in Korea were caught allegedly shoplifting at a store in Seoul, last Saturday.
The Korea Times, one of the oldest English-language newspapers published daily in South Korea, reported today that, according to the Yongsan Police Station, the two Pakistanis were caught stealing items worth 11,000 won ($10) and 1,900 won ($1.70), respectively, at the same store in Itaewon, Yongsan District, on different dates.
"One allegedly stole chocolate treats worth 1,900 won, January 10, and the other a hat worth 11,000 won, on February 23. After the hat was stolen, an employee at the store filed a police report shortly afterwards, and the law enforcement authorities identified the suspect through CCTV footage as a 35-year-old diplomat of the Pakistan Embassy," the newspaper said.
Following an investigation, officers closed the case without booking the suspect because of diplomatic immunity.
The police noted that the store owner did not wish for punishment as a colleague of the diplomat paid for the item.
The other alleged shoplifter, who also holds diplomatic immunity, remains under investigation according to the police.
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, diplomats and their families may avoid arrest, detention or indictment under certain laws of their host country.
