[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] The prosecution has launched an investigation into allegations that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) falsified a press release related to the preferential investigation of Lee Seong-yoon, the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.
According to the legal community on the 22nd, Lee Jeong-seop, head of the Criminal Division 3 at Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, has notified Moon Sang-ho, spokesperson for the CIO, and others to appear for questioning.
Earlier, on the 7th of last month, Lee, the head prosecutor, caused controversy by entering the CIO building using the official vehicle of Director Kim Jin-wook during a meeting regarding the illegal travel ban case of former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui.
In response, the CIO explained, "There are two official vehicles authorized to enter the building; however, the second vehicle is used for transporting arrested suspects and has rear doors that do not open, so it could not have been used." Despite this, as claims arose that the second vehicle was a regular car, the whistleblower and civic groups filed a complaint against Director Kim.
The prosecution, having confirmed that the CIO issued a press release with incorrect facts, is reportedly focusing on identifying who was involved in preparing the document by questioning witnesses.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
