Former Cheonan City FC Director Cleared of Charges in Recruitment Corruption Allegations

No Evidence Found Despite Intensive Investigation and Search and Seizure at Cheonan Seobuk Police Station

The investigation into former Cheonan City FC general manager Ahn Byungmo, who had been under suspicion of hiring irregularities, has concluded with a finding of "no charges."

Cheonan Seobuk Police Station announced on the 14th that it had decided not to refer former general manager Ahn to prosecution, citing insufficient evidence regarding the obstruction of business charges brought against him.

This investigation followed the results of the "2023 Comprehensive Survey on Hiring Practices at Public Institutions" conducted last year by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission through the audit office of Cheonan City Hall.

The audit found that former Cheonan City FC secretary general, identified as A, was involved in organizing the personnel committee and posting job announcements, as well as establishing the 2022 recruitment plan for the full-time position of management planning team leader. After his own contract neared expiration, he applied for and was selected for the management planning team leader position.

Additionally, suspicions were raised that during the recruitment process for the deputy manager of the PR and marketing team, a friend of the general manager applied but was initially rejected. It was alleged that the general manager then led a change in the scoring method used by the evaluation committee, resulting in his friend being hired.

Based on these findings, the audit office requested an investigation by Cheonan Seobuk Police Station in December of last year.

However, the investigative authorities reached a different conclusion.

Over the course of the investigation, police summoned the complainant’s witnesses and the accused several times, and conducted intensive searches of the football club's office and Ahn Byungmo's residence. However, they were unable to secure evidence to substantiate the allegations and ultimately decided not to refer the case for prosecution.

The police stated, "We have decided to close the case without referral due to insufficient evidence to prove the suspect's charges." The football club team leader, who was also accused alongside Ahn Byungmo, was cleared of charges as well.

Ahn Byungmo said, "I went through many hardships that were difficult to endure, but I am relieved that the truth has finally come out. I want to express my gratitude to everyone in the football community who believed in me until the end."