Gwangsan-gu "Initiates Internal Investigation... Strong Measures If Facts Confirmed"
Evidence of Bribery During Private Rental Apartment Sale Conversion Process
The prosecution recently conducted a search and seizure of the district office and construction company in connection with bribery allegations involving a public official in charge of apartment complex projects in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju City, and Gwangsan-gu has also launched its own fact-finding investigation.
On the 26th, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju City, stated in a press release, “We will actively cooperate with the prosecution’s investigation, which seized the computer and mobile phone of the official in charge amid allegations arising during the conversion process of private rental apartments to sale,” adding, “Separately, we have initiated our own fact-finding investigation.”
On the 25th, the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Investigation Division of the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office executed search warrants at the SM Woobang headquarters in Daegu and the Gwangsan-gu Office. The prosecution secured construction-related documents and materials related to private rental apartments from the SM Woobang business headquarters and Gwangsan-gu Office, and reportedly also conducted searches at the residences, vehicles, and homes of related individuals.
Gwangsan-gu issued an urgent press release stating, “We recognize the current situation with utmost seriousness and will fully cooperate with the prosecution’s investigation to ensure the truth is revealed without any omission,” emphasizing, “If the allegations are proven true through the investigation, we will take the strongest possible measures.” It also said, “Apart from the investigation, we have launched an internal inquiry to ascertain the facts and causes,” and “We will conduct a more thorough and strict review of overall administration.”
A Gwangsan-gu official said on the 27th, “Public officials who learned of the search and seizure were deeply shocked,” and added, “With the efforts of all employees to implement integrity administration since the 8th local government term, integrity levels have been rising, so we are anxious that the trust we have worked hard to build may be damaged and the positive image of Gwangsan-gu may be tarnished due to this incident.”
The official also said, “It is cautious to speak prematurely as the facts have not been confirmed,” but added, “If the allegations are proven true, the strongest measures will follow.”
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