The police have launched an investigation into the case of missing rebar in apartment complexes commissioned by Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH).
On the afternoon of the 4th, the National Police Agency received a request for investigation from LH concerning a total of 74 related companies across 15 complexes. After reviewing the details, they plan to determine the investigative authority and begin a pre-indictment investigation.
The allegations against these companies, as requested by LH, include violations of the Construction Technology Promotion Act, the Building Act, and the Housing Act. Many of these companies were re-employed by former LH executives and employees after retirement, raising suspicions of preferential treatment during the bidding and evaluation processes.
Earlier, on the 2nd, LH President Lee Han-jun convened regional headquarters chiefs nationwide at the LH Seoul Headquarters to hold the "Anti-Cartel Fair Construction Innovation Plan Meeting" and announced the plan to request an investigation. President Lee stated, “Companies suspected of preferential treatment will be referred for investigation, and legal actions such as complaints and civil lawsuits will be taken against companies involved in poor construction in the 15 complexes.”
Additionally, LH plans to claim compensation from the companies if violations of relevant laws are confirmed through the police investigation. LH also intends to introduce a ‘One-Strike Out’ system to expel companies responsible for poor construction from participating in projects commissioned by LH.
Meanwhile, LH is conducting an internal investigation related to this incident separately from the police investigation request.
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