[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Daejeon City conducted a full-scale investigation into real estate speculation allegations among local public officials and reported one district office public official for prosecution. The investigation also confirmed that one Daejeon City Hall public official is currently under police internal investigation for speculation allegations.
On the 15th, the city announced the results of a joint investigation conducted on 9,593 individuals, including public officials from the city and district offices and executives and employees of Daejeon Urban Corporation.
The investigation was carried out to determine whether any public officials had gained financial benefits before development projects were confirmed in 20 areas, including urban development (4 locations), housing site development (5 locations), industrial complexes (3 locations), and land transaction permission zones (8 locations).
As a result, it was confirmed that 19 public officials under the city acquired 33 parcels of land in the investigated areas.
Based on this, the city conducted an in-depth investigation into the circumstances of the land acquisition by the 19 public officials, their intentions regarding compensation, funding sources, capital gains, and work history in development project departments.
During this process, it was revealed that one district office public official acquired three parcels of farmland and orchards through nominee registration (violating the Real Name Real Estate Act), and the city explained that this official was reported to the police. This official is also currently under police internal investigation.
Before the joint investigation, a Daejeon City Hall public official reported by the Justice Party Daejeon branch is also under police internal investigation. The Justice Party has claimed that the city hall official purchased land near the Jangsa Comprehensive Complex under construction in Goe-gok-dong, Seo-gu, under a nominee name.
However, the public official accused of nominee speculation reportedly denies the allegations, stating that at the time of purchasing the disputed land, they were working in the Audit Office of Daedeok-gu, and there was no plan for the Jangsa Comprehensive Complex at that time.
Regarding this, the city stated, "We investigated the nominee speculation allegations against the city public official reported by the Justice Party but found no evidence of using official information or any suspicious charges," adding, "However, we understand that the police are currently conducting an internal investigation of the official."
Meanwhile, the city explained that for the 17 public officials, excluding the two under internal investigation (including the reported official), "Although it is true that they purchased land included in the investigation, it is difficult to see that they used official information to acquire the land, and there is no evidence of legal violations, so the cases will be closed internally."
The Daejeon Police Agency is conducting an internal investigation separately from the city's joint investigation by receiving land transaction status reports in areas with concentrated development issues, and it is reported that a full-scale investigation will begin if any indications of speculation are detected.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
