The owners of Nick's Lighthouse, Min Ki "James" Paik and his wife Hye, are embroiled in a bribery scandal involving San Francisco Port officials. Mercury News reported that the couple is accused of offering $19,000 to secure leases for Fisherman's Wharf restaurants Pompei’s Grotto and Lou’s Fish Shack.
They face charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and bribing an employee of an agency receiving federal funds, with potential penalties including up to fifteen years in prison. They've both posted a $50,000 bond after an initial court appearance last Tuesday, according to Mercury News.
The Paiks' efforts to obtain waterfront property soured when, unbeknownst to them, they engaged with an FBI agent undercover. SFist obtained documents showing the Paiks began their schemes in May, trying to expedite their applications by offering cash payments, having given $15,000 to the agent and a cooperating official over three instances.
"Don't change the mind, I want to keep going, lifetime. Believe me, OK?... Very good for you. Very good for you," Paik was quoted by SF Business Times during an encounter with the undercover agent. Further implicating themselves, Mr. Paik's text messages promised additional funds upon lease approval. Their trial is set for January 3rd of the next year.
Details emerged of Min Ki Paik touting his ownership of multiple Bay Area businesses, some under relatives' names, as part of the endeavor to sway the officials. After a tip from a port official, the FBI conducted extensive surveillance and sting operations leading to the Paiks' arrest. With the pandemic closure of many Fisherman's Wharf landmarks, the competition for these vacant slots has shown to be particularly fierce.
