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IN BRIEF
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The correctional court of Valence delivered its verdict, finding a dance school manager guilty of embezzling funds intended for a trip to South Korea, which never took place. After the repeated cancellation of this eagerly awaited event, participants and their families found themselves cheated, with considerable sums of money at stake. On Thursday, November 26, the manager was sentenced to a prison term and ordered to reimburse the amounts paid by the victims.
In the context of an exciting project, a group of dancers and their families had committed to participating in a trip to South Korea, scheduled for 2023. For many of them, it was the chance to experience something unique related to K-pop culture. Each participant had paid an amount of 800 euros, for a total cost of 1,500 euros partially covered by the school. However, this dream trip quickly turned into disillusionment. The association’s manager, Karim Amghar, failed to honor his commitments and was accused of breach of trust.
A project gone wrong
Since 2022, the dance group had been training hard in a studio located on Sadi-Carnot Avenue in Valence. The promise of a stay in South Korea centered around the K-pop dance universe had generated enthusiasm and motivation among the participants. However, the reality was quite different. According to the court, the trip was delayed several times, with the amount paid not being used to book the plane tickets as promised. Many worried about the authenticity of the project.
The disappointment of parents and dancers
Chloé, a dancer aged 17 at the time, shares her immense disappointment: “This was the trip of my dreams, an incredible experience to live. When I learned that everything was canceled, I thought it was a joke; I didn’t want to believe it.” This poignant testimony illustrates the extent of the disillusionment felt by many participants. The preparations for the trip, which had been taken to heart, turned into an investigation into the use of the funds.
Blurred events: collected testimonials
Déborah, another participant, also spoke out to share her experience. She was tasked by the manager to look for accommodations while he was supposed to handle the airplane tickets. As the departure date approached, she lost her passport, and the announcement came: the trip was canceled because of this incident. Déborah expresses her confusion: “I found it strange that he penalized everyone for one problem.“
A trial and its consequences
During the trial, the lawyer for the civil parties highlighted the manipulative behavior of Karim Amghar, calling him a “true chameleon” who abused the trust of families. Despite his promises of reimbursement, he was merely moving funds without any real intention of honoring his commitments. The court also noted the defendant’s criminal history, having already been convicted ten times for various offenses.
A severe verdict
Ultimately, Karim Amghar was sentenced to 8 months in prison and ordered to compensate the victims with 1,300 euros for the moral and material damage suffered. This verdict sends a strong message regarding the responsibility of associations and consumer protection, marking the end of a painful chapter for the affected families. The accused now has ten days to appeal this decision, but the consequences of his actions remain etched in the memory of all those who hoped to participate in this unforgettable adventure.
