Police Refer Former and Current Gokseong County Heads Back to Prosecution for Alleged Abuse of Authority

Evidence Reinforced Through Supplementary Investigation to Support Charges

Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency building. Provided by Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency

The police have completed the supplementary investigation requested by the prosecution regarding allegations of abuse of authority by Cho Sangrae, the current head of Gokseong County in Jeonnam, and Lee Sangcheol, the former head of Gokseong County, and have referred the case back to the prosecution.

The Second Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Division of the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency announced on January 12 that it had notified both Cho and Lee, who had previously been referred for prosecution on charges of abuse of authority, that the supplementary investigation had been completed.

They are accused of abusing their official powers during their respective terms as county head, either by issuing unfair orders or intervening inappropriately in the course of their work.

This case began when, during an investigation into bribery and corruption involving Gokseong County council members and government construction contracts, the police uncovered further evidence of wrongdoing by both the current and former county heads.

Initially, the police referred the case to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment, but the prosecution requested additional investigation, stating that more concrete evidence was needed to secure a conviction.

It is reported that, over the past several months, the police have sufficiently reinforced the case with additional statements and physical evidence supporting the charges.

As the case is once again handed over to the prosecution, it is expected that the outcome of the indictment and subsequent trial could have a significant impact on the administration of Gokseong County.