Kim Heesu, the governor of Jindo County in South Jeolla Province, has been referred to the prosecution on charges of accepting bribes from a businessman.
The First Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Investigation Unit of the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency announced on November 3 that Governor Kim and businessman A were each referred to the prosecution without detention on charges including bribery and mediating bribery.
Governor Kim is suspected of receiving construction materials such as aggregates worth tens of millions of won free of charge from businessman A during the construction of an official residence in 2023.
The police determined that there was a business relationship between the financial benefits Kim received and the company involved.
In fact, businessman A is known to have won several private contracts ordered by Jindo County.
The case came to light after Company B, a competitor of A's company, raised suspicions claiming it had been disadvantaged following Governor Kim's inauguration.
During the investigation, the police confirmed evidence of bribery and referred the matter to the prosecution first. Separately, the police are continuing to investigate allegations of abuse of authority regarding the alleged unfair disadvantages imposed on Company B.
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