Prosecutors Conduct Second Search of SPC Headquarters Over Alleged Coercion to Leave Minju No Chong

The prosecution investigating allegations of unfair labor practices against Paris Baguette bakers conducted another raid on the SPC Group headquarters to verify whether the group was involved.

SPC Headquarters, Seocho-gu, Seoul. [Photo by Yonhap News]

The Public Investigation Division 3 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Im Sambin) dispatched prosecutors and investigators on the morning of the 21st to secure related materials from two offices and two residences of two current and former SPC Group executives.

The prosecution is investigating allegations that PB Partners, an SPC Group subsidiary responsible for hiring and training Paris Baguette bakers, pressured members of the Paris Baguette branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Textile and Food Workers' Union to withdraw from the union or imposed personnel disadvantages.

Having detected signs that SPC Group was involved in pressuring union members to withdraw, the prosecution previously raided the SPC headquarters on October 12 and 30. The October 30 raid included the office of SPC Chairman Huh Young-in.

During the investigation, the prosecution uncovered evidence suggesting bribery by SPC CEO Hwang Jae-bok and conducted a raid on CEO Hwang’s office within the headquarters on the 11th.