A mining tunnel manager at the Kumdok Mining Complex in Tanchon, South Hamgyong Province, was recently sentenced to life in prison in a public trial for the murder of several young female orphans.

The public trial was held with the man’s colleagues and local residents in attendance in front of the enterprise on December 24, and was presided over by the Tanchon Public Court. The public trial also sentenced smugglers of zinc and other minerals that had been extracted from the mine.

Another public trial was held in November for around 30 people, some of whom worked at the Kumdok Mining Complex. The trial showed how widespread and serious such acts of stealing state-produced resources are being viewed by the authorities.

“The public trials of the murderer and the other accused proceeded quickly,” a source in South Hamgyong Province reported. “Ten of the smugglers were given sentences ranging from six months at a disciplinary labor center to two years in a correctional labor camp, while the murderer was given a life sentence.”

Tunnel mine managers oversee operations in mine tunnels and are responsible for carrying out a range of duties, including mining operations and ensuring the safety of miners.

The tunnel mine manager in question is in his mid-40s and was reportedly a good worker and participated in the country’s state-sponsored social activities. He had separated from his wife 3-4 years ago, and was reportedly raising his 15-year-old son by himself.

Due to his background, when he came under investigation for the murders, many had trouble believing that he could have committed such heinous crimes. However, they were soon persuaded when the details of his crimes became apparent.

“He was good to his workers and participated in social activities. He didn’t have a good relationship with his wife and she had gone to live with her parents, so he was raising his son alone for the past few years,” the source said.

“The man began secretly taking in underage female orphans wandering the streets near the local railway station with a mind to have them help out around the house. He locked them up so they wouldn’t run away and later sexually assaulted them.”

According to a separate source in South Hamgyong Province familiar with the case, the man’s first murder occurred in 2016 and the third murder took place late last year. A murdered orphan’s body was discovered in a cellar used to store kimchi.

As a trusted and seemingly respected member of society, the man committed crimes against young female orphans who few cared about and who could do little to escape. Given the serial nature of his crimes, it is thought that he may have a psychological disorder.

“The man’s son found it strange that the orphans who had been working in the house as maids were disappearing without a trace, and later witnessed the father’s third murder late last year. The son reported what he saw to the police, which led to the man’s arrest,” he explained.

“The man’s house was located far from other residents in the area and locals had no idea what was going on because he had confined the victims in his house.”