‘11.5 Billion Embezzlement’ Gangdong-gu Office Official Admits Charges in First Trial

Denial of Two Suspect Interrogation Records
Waiving the People's Jury Trial

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Kim Mo (48), a public official at Gangdong District Office accused of embezzling 11.5 billion KRW of public funds, admitted to the charges at his first trial.

The Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 12 (Chief Judge Lee Jongchae) held the first preparatory hearing for Kim, who is charged with embezzlement, at 2 p.m. on the 29th.

Kim generally acknowledged the charges during the trial. Additionally, he reversed his position and stated that he does not wish to have a jury trial.

Kim's defense attorney stated, "The defendant generally admits to the charges," but also said, "He denies the two suspect interrogation records prepared during the police investigation stage."

Kim is accused of embezzling 11.5 billion KRW of public funds over approximately 230 transactions since late 2019. Although some of the funds were returned, 7.7 billion KRW has effectively disappeared. Of this, 3.8 billion KRW was returned to the district office account in May 2020, and the remaining 7.7 billion KRW was used in unsettled stock transactions and is believed to have mostly been lost.

Meanwhile, Kim's next trial is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 21st of next month.

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