[Exclusive] Prosecutors Conduct Search and Seizure at Ansan Professional Football Club Over 'Player Recruitment Bribery'... Bribery Detected

The prosecution investigating a case involving kickbacks in exchange for player signings at domestic professional football teams has uncovered new evidence and launched additional forced investigations.

According to the legal community on the 18th, the Criminal Division 9 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Hyun-ah) sent prosecutors and investigators from the morning to the office of the Ansan Greeners club in the K League 2 and the residence of CEO Lee to secure materials related to the case.

It is known that the prosecution, while investigating former coach Lim Jong-heon who was arrested on the 11th, discovered allegations that the Ansan club's CEO and team leader each received 10 million won through agent Choi, and conducted a search and seizure. After analyzing the materials seized on this day, the prosecution is expected to summon and investigate the related parties. Although former coach Lim was arrested, the investigation, which seemed to slow down after the arrest warrants for former university football coach Shin and agent Choi were dismissed, is drawing attention to whether it will regain momentum with this search and seizure.

Former coach Lim, who was previously arrested, was detained on charges of receiving 40 million won from Choi in exchange for facilitating the overseas club signings of two players while he was the coach of Thailand's Navy FC in 2018-2019. He is also charged with deceiving one player by promising professional signing and receiving 60 million won.

Former coach Shin is also under investigation for allegedly receiving 60 million won from Choi in exchange for facilitating the professional club signings of three players in 2017-2018. Choi is reported to have given 20 million won to another professional club coach and 7 million won to another university coach as kickbacks for facilitating the signing of one player each. He is also charged with deceiving one player by promising professional club signing and receiving 20 million won.