Police Add Over 100 Doctors to Investigation in Goryeo Pharmaceutical Rebate Allegations

Investigation of Over 70 Related Persons as Witnesses
Analysis of Seized Items Underway
"Number of Suspects May Increase in Future"

The police have additionally booked over 100 doctors on charges including violations of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act and breach of trust in connection with Koryo Pharmaceutical, which is suspected of illegal rebates.

A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official stated at a regular press briefing on the 1st, "During the investigation of related parties and the examination of seized items, we have additionally booked over 100 doctors," adding, "We plan to promptly investigate by coordinating attendance dates with the booked doctors."

Police officials stand in front of the headquarters of Koryo Pharmaceutical in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where a search and seizure operation was underway on the morning of April 29. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, the police detected circumstances in which Koryo Pharmaceutical provided illegal rebates to over 1,000 doctors. During the investigation, about 100 of them were booked. In May, 14 doctors and 8 pharmaceutical company officials were booked on charges including violations of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act and breach of trust.

The official explained, "During the investigation, we conducted witness interviews with about 70 people, including pharmaceutical company officials and sales representatives," and added, "Since we are currently analyzing seized items, the number of booked individuals may increase."

He continued, "Regardless of the amount involved, we will investigate whether there is a violation of legal regulations and whether there is evidence of (rebate receipt)," and said, "The scale of rebate receipt is currently under investigation."

Regarding criticisms that the investigation into Koryo Pharmaceutical is a retaliatory probe against the Korean Medical Association, he drew a clear line, saying, "That is a separate issue," and added, "This case was requested for investigation by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission."