Police Decide Not to Prosecute Former Gyeonggi Research Institute Director Lee Han-ju on Suspicion of Illegal Gift Transfer

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The police have cleared former Gyeonggi Research Institute Director Lee Han-ju of allegations of illicit real estate gifting.

On the 22nd, according to the police, the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency decided not to prosecute former Director Lee.

The police launched an investigation in September this year after the Judicial Examination Preparation Student Association (Sajunmo) filed a complaint against former Director Lee and his wife for violating the Real Estate Real-Name Act. Sajunmo claimed that the couple owned about ten real estate properties, including two apartments located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, and had set up real estate paper companies to illicitly transfer assets to their two sons.

In the complaint, Sajunmo stated, "Some of the real estate currently owned by the accused is believed to be held under nominee ownership, either entirely or partially," and added, "Even if the Real Estate Real-Name Act violations are not established, there is suspicion that the properties are held in a dispersed manner to evade gift tax."

The police explained the reason for the decision not to prosecute, saying, "We conducted investigations from various angles regarding the allegations against the accused, but no evidence of illegal activity was found, leading to the conclusion of 'no charges.'

Former Director Lee, known for leading key pledges such as basic income for Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, resigned from his position as head of the policy headquarters of Lee's campaign when the allegations surfaced. Upon his resignation on September 23, he stated, "Although it is not illegal, I will step down to prevent the possibility of political slander."

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