Police Conduct Search of Bae's Residence Over 'Kim Hye-kyung Corporate Card Allegations'... Reaching the Core

by Kong Byeongseon

Published 05 Apr.2022 13:33(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] On the 4th, the police conducted a search and seizure at the residence of Bae, a key figure related to the 'corporate card misuse suspicion' involving Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of former Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung.

According to the police on the 5th, the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division of the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency (Gyeonggi Nambu-cheong) searched the home of Bae, a defendant and former Grade 5 special employee in the General Affairs Division of Gyeonggi Provincial Government, around 8 p.m. the previous day.

The police conducted the search and seizure for about an hour in the presence of Bae's lawyer and secured materials. It was also reported that they confiscated mobile phones currently used by Bae.

On the previous day at around 10:20 a.m., the Gyeonggi Nambu-cheong also conducted a search and seizure at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government related to the suspicion. The targets of the search included the General Affairs Division, Medical Office, and Audit Office of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, where records of corporate card usage remained. This search was conducted about three weeks after lawyer Jang Young-ha, who filed a complaint against Kim and former presidential candidate Lee, was investigated.

Bae is suspected of acting as Kim's personal secretary and is alleged to be a central figure in the controversy over corporate card misuse. Previously, A, a former Grade 7 special employee in the Secretary's Office of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government who exposed the suspicion, revealed Telegram chat logs exchanged with Bae, who belonged to the General Affairs Division. In February, Gyeonggi Province conducted an audit and secured materials suspected of private misuse of corporate cards. However, Bae, currently a civilian, has not responded to inquiries from Gyeonggi Province or answered calls, and the audit has not proceeded.

The police imposed a travel ban on Bae in February. Furthermore, on the 25th of last month, after reviewing the complaint, the investigation was converted into a compulsory investigation.