Police Conduct Search and Seizure at Ship Engine Manufacturer Over 'Coast Guard Patrol Vessel Favoritism Allegations'

The police have launched a forced investigation into a ship engine manufacturer suspected of receiving preferential treatment during the Korea Coast Guard's patrol vessel procurement process.

On the 26th, the Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that they conducted a search and seizure at ship engine manufacturer Company A located in Seocho-gu, Seoul, the previous day.

The civic group Free Korea Patriotic Corps filed a complaint last December accusing former Korea Coast Guard Chiefs Kim Hong-hee and Jeong Bong-hoon of abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights, claiming that the Coast Guard ordered large vessels for the West Sea power enhancement project at speeds lower than the average. According to the Free Korea Patriotic Corps, while similar Chinese vessels have a speed of 28 knots, the Korea Coast Guard ordered the vessels at a reduced speed of 24 knots.

In February, the police conducted a search and seizure at the Korea Coast Guard headquarters located in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, securing documents related to the vessel procurement plan and bidding process.

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