Police Conduct Search of Former Coast Guard Chief's Residence Over Allegations of Corruption in Patrol Boat Procurement

On the 1st, the police investigating allegations of corruption in the introduction of patrol vessels by the Korea Coast Guard conducted a forced investigation against former Coast Guard Commissioner Kim Hong-hee and others.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that they conducted searches and seizures at 12 locations, including the former commissioner's residence, residences of Coast Guard officials, and dealerships of engine ordering companies.

The police began the investigation after receiving a complaint from the civic group Jayudanghaehogukdan, which alleged that the Coast Guard deliberately lowered the performance specifications when ordering a 3,000-ton large vessel as part of the West Sea power reinforcement project last December. Jayudanghaehogukdan claimed that although the average speed of a 3,000-ton vessel is 28 knots, the Coast Guard ordered it with a reduced performance of 24 knots, accusing former Commissioner Kim and others of abuse of authority and breach of duty.

In relation to this, the police conducted a search and seizure at the Coast Guard headquarters in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, in February to secure documents related to the vessel introduction plan and bidding. In July, they also searched the headquarters of the engine ordering company located in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The police are investigating whether there was collusion between former Commissioner Kim, Coast Guard officials, and the ship engine manufacturer that received the contract for the project.

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