Searches and Seizures Involving Chanel Bag
and Administrative Officer Assisting the First Lady
On the 17th, prosecutors summoned Jeon Seongbae, known as 'Geonjin Beopsa', for questioning once again. Jeon is accused of making illicit requests to First Lady Kim Keonhee regarding issues related to the Unification Church.
Jeon Seongbae, known as the so-called 'Geonjin Beopsa' who is accused of violating the Political Funds Act, is heading to the courtroom after appearing at the pre-arrest detention hearing at the Seoul Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, on December 19 last year. Photo by Yonhap News
The Virtual Asset Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office (headed by Park Geonuk) confirmed that Jeon was summoned and questioned as a suspect on charges including violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.
He is accused of conspiring with Yoon, who was the head of the Unification Church World Headquarters, between April and August 2022, to deliver gifts such as a Grafsa necklace, a Chanel bag, and Cheonsusam concentrated tea to the First Lady, along with requests to resolve five key issues facing the Unification Church.
Prosecutors reportedly questioned Jeon about whether gifts were delivered, whether improper requests were made, and his relationship with the Unification Church.
On April 30, prosecutors conducted searches and seizures at the residence of former President Yoon and his wife, the office of Covana Contents, and the homes of two aides (identified as Yoo and Jeong). They secured three of the First Lady's mobile phones, notes, and the aides' mobile phones. Gifts such as the Chanel bag and necklace were not found at the search sites.
After summoning Jeon for questioning on May 3, prosecutors have been thoroughly examining the facts with Yoon and other related individuals. Recently, they executed a search warrant on Chanel Korea to verify the purchase history of the Chanel bag and searched the home of Cho, a former administrative officer from the Second Office of the Presidential Secretariat who was in charge of assisting the First Lady.
Prosecutors are also reportedly looking into additional allegations of improper solicitation involving Jeon. If money or valuables were received in connection with requests or mediation related to official duties of public officials, charges such as violations of the Attorney-at-Law Act or acceptance of mediation fees could be applied.
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