A total of 28.39 million won embezzled over nine transactions,
charged with occupational breach of trust
A former employee of a government-funded research institute was caught illegally using a corporate credit card, prompting a police investigation.
According to the Changwon Jungbu Police Station in Gyeongnam on September 9, the police have booked a former employee in his 30s, identified as Mr. A, of the Korea Institute of Materials Science, on charges including occupational breach of trust, and are currently investigating the case.
Mr. A is accused of embezzling 28.39 million won by using the institute's corporate credit card while working at the Korea Institute of Materials Science between October and December last year.
It has been reported that he used the corporate card under the pretense of purchasing goods from a business operated by his family.
According to the police and the office of Choi Minhee, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, Mr. A is believed to have made a total of nine payments, ranging from at least 2 million won to a maximum of 3.68 million won each, for these purchases.
When a researcher who discovered the misconduct raised the issue, Mr. A returned the full amount to the institute in January. In April, the Korea Institute of Materials Science reported Mr. A to the police.
He has reportedly been dismissed from the Korea Institute of Materials Science as a result of this incident.
The police plan to continue their investigation into Mr. A and related personnel at the Korea Institute of Materials Science.
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