Prosecutors Seek Arrest Warrants for Im Jeong-hyeok and Gwak Jeong-gi over Alleged Request to Halt Investigation in Baekhyeon-dong (Comprehensive)

On the 19th, the prosecution investigating allegations of a request to suppress the investigation into the 'Baekhyun-dong development corruption' case moved to secure the custody of lawyer Lim Jeong-hyeok (67, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 16), a former high-ranking prosecutor, and lawyer Kwak Jeong-gi (50, class 33), a former police superintendent.

Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Photo by Yonhap News

The Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 3 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Yong-sik) filed arrest warrants against former High Prosecutor Lim and former Superintendent Kwak on charges of violating the Attorney-at-Law Act.

According to the prosecution, former High Prosecutor Lim is suspected of receiving 100 million won into his personal account from Jung Ba-ul, chairman of Asia Developer and the developer of Baekhyun-dong, in June, under the pretext of official relations and requests related to the prosecution's investigation into the Baekhyun-dong development corruption.

Former Superintendent Kwak is suspected of receiving 700 million won in legal fees from Chairman Jung between June and July last year regarding a police investigation, and separately accepting 50 million won in cash under the pretext of official relations and requests. Kwak is also under investigation for giving 4 million won as a referral fee to police officer Park, who introduced the case to him.

According to Article 110 of the Attorney-at-Law Act, if a lawyer receives money or valuables from judges, prosecutors, or other officials of judicial or investigative agencies under the pretext of providing or maintaining official relations, they may be punished by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 30 million won.

During the investigation of Chairman Jung, the prosecution uncovered evidence that he provided approximately 1.33 billion won to real estate businessman Lee (68, detained and indicted) as a bribe to suppress the investigation, and has been conducting investigations into former High Prosecutor Lim and former Superintendent Kwak. The prosecution believes that Lee introduced the two to Chairman Jung.

On the 27th of last month, the prosecution conducted a search of the residences of the two individuals and summoned them for questioning as suspects on the 13th and 14th. Former High Prosecutor Lim and former Superintendent Kwak have denied all charges, claiming the fees were legitimate legal fees for handling the case.