Police Search Gangjin County Office Over Alleged Gift Giving to Locals During Seollal Holiday

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The police conducted a search and seizure at Gangjin County Office in connection with allegations that the Gangjin County Governor sent gifts to local residents ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.

According to the Anti-Corruption Economic Crime Investigation Unit 1 of the Jeonnam Police Agency on the 30th, the police searched the Gangjin County Governor's office, the secretary's office, and the governor's residence on the same day.

Lee Seung-ok, the Gangjin County Governor, and four others are suspected of distributing gifts worth about 40 million won to approximately 800 people, including village chiefs and Saemaul leaders, ahead of this year's Lunar New Year, on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.

The police also conducted a search and seizure at Gangjin County Office in March and April this year in connection with allegations of real estate speculation by public officials.

Mr. A, a public official affiliated with Gangjin County Office, is suspected of purchasing real estate in the area after obtaining prior information about the development of the Gaudo tourist complex (violation of the Anti-Corruption Act) and distributing fruit gifts from Governor Lee to acquaintances (violation of the Public Official Election Act).

The police are investigating the source of funds used to purchase the gifts and the delivery routes.

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