'Illegal Lobbying Allegations by Han-eo-chong' Lawmaker and Aide Internal Investigation Closed... "Prosecutors Declined to Indict"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The police investigation into former and current members of the National Assembly and their aides suspected of receiving illegal donations from the Korea Childcare Association (Han-eo-chong) has been closed after 1 year and 8 months.

On the 17th, the Mapo Police Station in Seoul announced that the investigation into five members of the 19th National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee and their aides suspected of violating the Political Funds Act was closed at the end of last month.

The police had previously booked Kim Yong-hee, former chairman of Han-eo-chong, in October 2018 on charges including violation of the Political Funds Act and embezzlement. Kim was suspected of delivering approximately 12 million won in cash, collected by Han-eo-chong executives for political lobbying, to five National Assembly members’ offices in 2013, claiming that "a bill unfavorable to Han-eo-chong was being proposed." During the investigation, the police confirmed that Kim instructed Han-eo-chong executives via email to "prepare money envelopes." Additionally, testimonies from related parties indicated that Kim handed envelopes to specific National Assembly members.

However, the police were unable to book the five National Assembly members and aides suspected of receiving illegal donations as suspects. Although the police requested booking orders four times, the prosecution rejected all requests, citing "insufficient evidence to prove the charges." The preliminary investigation is a stage before a formal investigation, and if evidence of wrongdoing is found during this process, it proceeds to a full investigation.

Meanwhile, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office, which received the case regarding Kim’s violation of the Political Funds Act from the police with a recommendation for prosecution in September last year, indicted Kim on the 11th.

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