Gyeongnam Police Agency Detects 48 Illegal Acts and 54 Individuals in Union Chief Election

3 Referred to Prosecution, 1 Not Referred, 50 Under Investigation

The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency announced on the 9th that it had uncovered 48 illegal acts related to the 3rd Nationwide Simultaneous Cooperative Association Head Election held on the 8th.

A total of 54 people were caught, with 3 referred to the prosecution, 1 not prosecuted, and 50 under investigation, the agency added.

Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

According to the Provincial Police Agency, from January 17, a dedicated investigation team for violations related to the cooperative association head election was formed at the National Police Agency and 23 police stations.

From February 23, when election campaigning officially began, an election crime investigation situation room was established and operated 24 hours a day.

The police collected intelligence on various illegal acts such as bribery and conducted strict crackdowns.

Investigation Status by Type Related to the Gyeongnam Cooperative Head Election. [Data Provided by Gyeongnam Police Agency]

Through the investigation, 42 cases of bribery, 7 cases of spreading false information, and 3 cases of violations of election campaigning methods were uncovered.

There were no cases of illegal involvement by cooperative association executives and employees, which is considered one of the three major election crimes along with bribery and spreading false information.

The Provincial Police Agency plans to continue collecting intelligence and cracking down on acts of providing money or goods under the pretexts of congratulations, consolation, or return gifts after the election day.

They will also strengthen crackdowns to ensure that the 2023 first half by-elections and supplementary elections scheduled for April 5 are conducted cleanly and fairly.

Among the total of nine nationwide locations, in Gyeongnam, elections for Changnyeong County Governor and the Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly member for Changnyeong County’s 1st electoral district are expected to take place.

A representative from the Provincial Police Agency said, “We will continue to thoroughly investigate so that election offenders receive punishments corresponding to their illegal acts,” adding, “Considering the six-month statute of limitations, we will operate a focused investigation period of three months and handle cases promptly.”