Prosecution Misses Summoning 'Keyman' in Optimus Lobby Suspicion

Former Entertainment Agency CEO Shinmo and Jung Youngje Not Investigated Timely
“Was There No Will to Investigate Despite Multiple Evidences and Testimonies?” Allegations Raised
Prosecutors Conducted Search and Summoned Former Financial Supervisory Service Director Yoonmo's Residence Yesterday

On July 20, victims of the Optimus Fund NH Investment & Securities held a protest rally in front of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation in Jung-gu, Seoul, demanding compensation for damages caused by the Optimus Fund. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] There are criticisms that the prosecution missed the optimal timing to uncover the truth as the summons investigations of key figures identified as 'key men' in the wide-ranging political and business lobbying allegations involving Optimus Asset Management?such as Shin Mo, former entertainment agency CEO, and Jeong Young-je, former head of Optimus alternative investments?have not been conducted in a timely manner.

In particular, it has recently come to light that the prosecution, which hastily processed related parties focusing solely on the fund fraud sales investigation, had secured various physical evidence and testimonies early on that could have raised suspicions about Optimus's lobbying activities. This has led to suspicions that there was no genuine intention to investigate these matters from the beginning.

According to the prosecution on the 14th, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, which is investigating the Optimus case, has yet to summon and investigate Shin, who has been identified as a primary lobbying channel for Kim Jae-hyun, Optimus CEO (50, currently incarcerated).

Shin, known for mobilizing affiliated comedians at past election campaigns to build connections with political circles, is a figure who helped resolve various issues arising during Kim's business operations and received support such as office rent and luxury vehicles.

Shin, who was reported to have gone into hiding after the incident surfaced, recently denied through the media that he was a lobbyist for Optimus and expressed his willingness to appear for investigation by the prosecution. The prosecution is reportedly considering summoning Shin for questioning.

Jeong Young-je, former head of Optimus alternative investments (57, currently wanted), who is also regarded as another key man in the Optimus lobbying allegations, disappeared without undergoing prosecution questioning during the early stages of the investigation.

Jeong is suspected of acting as an intermediary in the process of connecting NH Investment & Securities, a major seller of Optimus private funds, and in securing investments worth approximately 70 billion KRW from the Korea Communications Agency’s Broadcasting and Communications Development Fund.

Jeong Young-chae, CEO of NH Investment & Securities, who appeared as a witness at the Financial Supervisory Service’s National Assembly audit the day before, admitted to having met with Kim, Optimus CEO, and former Jeong but claimed that the meetings were unrelated to Optimus.

Although Jeong has denied involvement in the operation of Optimus funds, recently released recordings in the media include a man identifying himself as 'President Jeong Young-je' calling AV Asset Management, the predecessor of Optimus, explaining the relationship between Korea Securities Finance and Optimus, repeatedly referring to Optimus as 'our company.' He disappeared in June when the Optimus investigation intensified, and the prosecution has issued an arrest warrant and imposed an exit ban on him.

Besides Shin and former Jeong, it is necessary to investigate the roles played by Optimus advisors mentioned in documents related to 'fund defect remediation' secured by the prosecution?such as former Deputy Prime Minister Lee Heon-jae, former Prosecutor General Chae Dong-wook, and lawyer Lee Mo?in preparing for financial authorities’ investigations or prosecution inquiries.

A prosecution official stated regarding the Optimus advisors, "We will investigate if specific criminal charges are identified, but we have not done so yet." He also said, "A significant portion of the investigation has already been conducted on parts of the documents that are likely factual, and we plan to continue the investigation."

Meanwhile, the Economic Crime Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Joo Min-cheol) conducted a search and seizure of the residence of Yoon Mo, former director of the Financial Supervisory Service, and summoned him for questioning as a suspect yesterday in relation to Optimus's lobbying allegations against financial authorities. Yoon is the person whom Kim testified to have given tens of millions of won in bribes during the prosecution investigation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.