Jeong Cheongrae Criticizes Prosecution Over Lost Cash Bands: "Proof of the Need for Prosecution Reform"

Jeong Criticizes Prosecution for Double Standards
"If Citizens Lost Evidence, They Would Be Accused of Destroying It"

On August 20, Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the prosecution for losing the band that wrapped bundles of cash seized from Jeon Seongbae, a key figure in the allegations surrounding former President Yoon Sukyeol's wife, Kim Keonhee. He stated, "This incident proves the necessity of prosecution reform, as the prosecution itself is demonstrating why such reform is needed."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the Gyeongju HwaBaek Convention Center that day, Leader Jeong emphasized the need for prosecution reform, saying, "It seems the prosecution is dismantling itself."

Previously, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office found 165 million won in cash, including Bank of Korea wrapped notes, during a search of Jeon's residence in December of last year. However, they only realized in April that they had lost key evidence such as the bands. The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office explained that the bands and stickers were lost by an employee during the cash counting process, as they were preparing to officially register the seized items.

Yonhap News Agency

Referring to the lost Bank of Korea note bands, plastic packaging stickers, and cash bundle bands, Leader Jeong pointed out, "The stickers and bands lost by the prosecution had information such as the date the cash was inspected, the staff code, the processing department, and the machine identification number, making it possible to trace the funds. I find it hard to believe that these were simply lost due to a staff member's mistake."

He continued, "If an ordinary company or citizen lost key evidence by accident, the prosecution would accuse them of destroying evidence, conduct a search and seizure, and put them in handcuffs. I hope the prosecution will search and seize itself and put itself in handcuffs."

Minister of Justice Jeong Seongho ordered an inspection of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office for losing the note bands, and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office has already begun an immediate investigation. It appears that there will also be an inspection into the prosecution's inadequate response, as they failed to conduct an internal investigation after realizing the loss of the seized items.