'Bribery and Political Fund Receipt' Lawmaker No Woong-rae Summoned for Prosecutor Investigation

No Woong-rae, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 6th, Roh Woong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea accused of receiving tens of millions of won in bribes and illegal political funds from a businessman, was summoned by the prosecution.

The Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Young-chul) is investigating Roh as a suspect this morning. Roh is accused of receiving a total of 60 million won from businessman Park Mo's side between February and November 2020 under the pretext of election expenses for the 21st National Assembly election (charges of bribery, mediation bribery, and violation of the Political Funds Act).

During today's investigation, the prosecution is expected to question the nature and quid pro quo of the money received from Park's side, the circumstances of the approximately 300 million won in cash bundles found at his residence, and their connection to illegal activities. The prosecution believes that Park requested Roh to expedite the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's real demand verification process for the logistics complex development project, support for the solar power business, and personnel requests related to the local tax office chief and executives of Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

Park is the person who reportedly gave up to 1 billion won in money and goods to Lee Jung-geun (detained and indicted), former Deputy Secretary-General of the Democratic Party. After conducting a forced investigation by raiding Roh's National Assembly office and residence on the 16th of last month, the prosecution has banned Roh from leaving the country and has been preparing for summons investigations by first questioning former aides.

The prosecution is expected to review whether to request an arrest warrant after investigating Roh several more times. Since Roh is a sitting member of the National Assembly with immunity from arrest during sessions, an arrest warrant requires the passage of a consent motion in the National Assembly.

After the prosecution raided his National Assembly office and residence last month, Roh strongly denied the charges, stating, "I will stake my entire political life to prove my innocence." He explained that the cash found at his residence was money obtained through condolence money or publication commemorative events and was unrelated to illegal activities. Regarding the search and seizure against him, he also filed a quasi-appeal with the Seoul Central District Court on the 28th of last month.