'Corruption Allegations in Trap Introduction' Former Coast Guard Chief Kim Hong-hee's Arrest Warrant Dismissed

Former Commissioner Kim Hong-hee of the Korea Coast Guard, who is suspected of deliberately lowering the performance specifications during the procurement process of patrol vessels to receive bribes, has avoided detention.

Former Commissioner Kim Hong-hee of the Korea Coast Guard, who is suspected of deliberately lowering performance specifications during the introduction of non-combat vessels to secure orders and accepting bribes, is attending a pre-arrest hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu on the morning of the 22nd.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 22nd, Judge Shin Young-hee, in charge of warrants at the Seoul Central District Court, held a pre-arrest detention hearing for Kim, who is accused of abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights, and dismissed the arrest warrant.

Judge Shin stated the reason for dismissal, saying, "Since the residence is fixed and there is room for dispute, the necessity to guarantee the right to defense exists," and "He has already retired, so there is little concern that he will exert influence on related parties."

Regarding Lee, former head of the Coast Guard Equipment Planning Division, who is accused of accepting bribes, the judge also dismissed the arrest warrant, stating, "Considering the absence of a criminal record, his diligent service for over 30 years, and his family relationships, it is difficult to see any risk of flight."

Kim is accused of receiving approximately 37 million won worth of money and valuables from a company supplying A engines during the bidding process for patrol vessels while serving as the Commissioner of the Korea Coast Guard between 2020 and 2021. Lee is also accused of receiving about 24 million won worth of money and valuables from the company.

The police are investigating allegations that the Coast Guard deliberately lowered the performance specifications and gave preferential treatment to Company A during the procurement process of a 3,000-ton class large vessel, which was part of the West Sea power enhancement project.