‘Baekhyun-dong Investigation Cover-up Bribery’ Former High Prosecutor Im Jeong-hyeok Sentenced to Probation in First Trial

Im Jeong-hyeok (67), a former high-ranking prosecutor turned lawyer, who was indicted on charges of accepting bribes in exchange for requesting the suppression of the investigation into the Baekhyeon-dong development corruption case, was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the first trial.

On the 22nd, the Criminal Division 22 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Jo Hyung-woo) sentenced former high-ranking prosecutor Im, indicted for violating the Attorney Act, to 2 years in prison with a 3-year suspension and ordered a fine of 100 million won.

The court stated, “The defendant’s act of personally meeting with the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office leadership to request the non-detention investigation of Jeong Ba-ul constitutes inappropriate private contact involving the exercise of influence as a former prosecutor-turned-lawyer,” and judged, “Receiving a large sum of money as a reward for a request that instills confidence in the possibility of a non-detention investigation is an act prohibited and beyond the scope of a lawyer’s duties.”

Im Jeong-hyeok, a former high-ranking prosecutor turned lawyer accused of bribery to cover up the investigation in Baekhyeon-dong, is heading to the courtroom on the morning of the 22nd at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, to attend the pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant hearing).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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Furthermore, “Considering the amount of money, the nature and circumstances of the offense, which are serious, and the fact that the defendant consistently made excuses rather than showing remorse for his inappropriate conduct, the handling of the money, and the unfavorable circumstances after the crime, such as issuing a statement containing false information immediately after the search and seizure,” the court noted.

However, the court added, “The sentence was determined considering that the defendant is a first-time offender and appears to have diligently performed his duties as a legal professional for a long time.”

Former high-ranking prosecutor Im is accused of receiving 100 million won into his personal account from Jeong Ba-ul, chairman of Asia Developer and a private developer in Baekhyeon-dong, last June under the pretext of funds for public official connections and requests related to the investigation of corruption in Baekhyeon-dong development. The Baekhyeon-dong case involves allegations that Seongnam City granted special favors, such as approving a four-step simultaneous change in land use for private developers or permitting the construction of ‘retaining wall apartments.’

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