Multiple Candidates and Delegates Indicted for Distributing Cash in Nonghyup Executive Election

18 Including Elected Directors Sent to Trial

Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office Cheonan Branch

Directors and auditor candidates who distributed cash during the regional Nonghyup executive election have been indicted in large numbers.

The Cheonan Branch of the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office, Criminal Division 3 (headed by Chief Prosecutor Choi Seongsu), announced on the 2nd that director-elect B was arrested and indicted for violating the Agricultural Cooperatives Act after delivering a total of 1.5 million won (300,000 won each) to five delegates during the A Nonghyup executive election held in February. In addition, auditor-elect C, who distributed cash together with B, was indicted without detention.

Furthermore, the prosecution's investigation revealed that other director and auditor candidates who were in competition at the time also distributed cash in large amounts.

According to the prosecution, six director and auditor candidates who were competing with B and C delivered 1.5 million won through delegate D, but delegate D gave 300,000 won each to two delegates and used the remaining 900,000 won at his own discretion.

Two other director candidates also delivered 200,000 won to delegate E. In total, 10 candidates distributed 2.75 million won to eight delegates. Notably, there was even a case where a delegate received cash from three different candidates.

The prosecution indicted 17 candidates and delegates without detention on charges of violating the Agricultural Cooperatives Act.

A prosecution official stated, "Through supplementary investigations, including questioning numerous related individuals and analyzing seized items in the cash-for-votes election corruption case, we clearly identified the charges against director A, who denied the allegations, and arrested him. We also additionally booked and indicted seven delegates who received cash from the candidates," adding, "We will respond strictly to cash-for-votes election offenders who undermine the culture of fair elections in regional Nonghyup cooperatives."