Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency Conducts Search and Seizure Related to 'Uiryeong-gun Council Padding Gift Incident'

The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Unit is accelerating its investigation into the so-called 'Uiryeong-gun Council Padding Jumper Gift Incident.'

According to the provincial police agency on the 6th, the Metropolitan Investigation Unit conducted a search and seizure at three locations within the Uiryeong-gun Council, including the office of Council Member A, who is accused of gifting padding jumpers to fellow council members and council office staff, on the 22nd of last month.

In December of last year, Council Member A gifted padding jumpers worth approximately 5 million won to 10 fellow council members and 15 council staff members through the council office staff.

Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

The Uiryeong-gun Election Commission filed a complaint with the provincial police agency on the 6th of last month against Council Member A and others for violations of the Political Funds Act and the Public Official Election Act concerning prohibited donation activities.

In response to the controversy over providing the padding, Council Member A explained in a press release on January 1st, “While talking with a representative of a local company, the topic of sponsoring uniforms for council members and staff came up, so I delivered the padding jumpers through the council office staff,” adding, “I did not consider that this might violate the law.”

The police plan to summon and investigate Council Member A and other related parties as soon as the analysis of the seized items is completed.

A police official stated, “Since the investigation is ongoing, we cannot disclose detailed information,” and added, “We will proceed with the investigation according to the proper procedures.”