'Corruption Allegations' Former Gangnam Police Chief: "Construction Businessman's Resort Expense Payment Is Groundless"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Park Mo, former Chief Superintendent of the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, who is under suspicion for several allegations including drinking on duty and collusion with a lawyer, has denied some of the accusations.

On the 27th, Chief Superintendent Park issued a statement to reporters regarding the allegation that a construction businessman, with whom he is acquainted, paid for resort expenses. He said, "Currently, my countryside home is well maintained and my in-laws live nearby, so there is no reason to use an expensive resort," adding, "The allegation that the construction businessman paid on my behalf is groundless."

The previous day, a media outlet reported that Park had stayed multiple times at a luxury resort in Namhae, Gyeongnam, and that the room charges were paid by a construction businessman.

Park is also suspected of pressuring investigators to hand over a large quantity of illegal masks, which were seized during last year's mask shortage while he was serving as head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Intelligent Crime Investigation Unit, to his pharmacist wife, despite the masks not being approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

Regarding this, Park stated, "During the crackdown on mask hoarding, the government also requested the rapid sale of stock from some companies," and explained, "If there was no contract with the supplier, my in-laws purchased about 300 masks and another pharmacy purchased about 2,000 masks at a selling price rather than cost price." He added, "There are tax invoices, and I recall inquiries were made to other companies, but those with sales contracts refused. I will respond sincerely during future investigations."

In addition, Park faces allegations of drinking while on duty, calling female officers to drinking parties, and colluding with a lawyer he is acquainted with to handle cases. The National Police Agency placed Park on standby on the 25th and is conducting an internal investigation. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Internal Affairs Investigation Division is also verifying the facts related to the allegations and conducting a preliminary inquiry.

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