[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jung] It has been confirmed that another police officer from the Violent Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency attempted to persuade the secretary of Kim Mo (43), a 'fake fisheries businessman,' who is suspected of forcing the secretary to record conversations with Kim's lawyer. The officer has been placed on standby suspension.
A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official told reporters on the 22nd, "An officer from the same investigation team as Officer Heo Mo went down to (Pohang, Gyeongbuk) on the afternoon of the 20th to question Kim's secretary. We heard a statement that the secretary 'sent the recording file to Officer Heo via KakaoTalk,' and it was confirmed that the officer said, 'If there is nothing special, it would be better not to mention that you sent the recording file.'
Currently, the police have launched a fact-finding investigation into Officer Heo Mo of the Violent Crime Investigation Unit, who is the team leader of the investigation into Kim Mo, who impersonated a fisheries businessman, and who ordered the recording. Amid this, the revelation that another police officer attempted to persuade the secretary not to disclose whether the recording file was sent is expected to spark controversy over the police trying to downplay the case.
Meanwhile, the police are reinforcing the investigation team related to Kim Mo's case. The investigation team, which previously had seven members, has increased to 14 with the addition of three investigative personnel and four staff supporting legal and public relations tasks.
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