Independent lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, embroiled in allegations of a 100 million won "nomination bribe," reportedly submitted a latest-model iPhone to police but refused to provide the passcode.
According to police and others on the 13th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit received one latest-model iPhone while searching Kang's office and residence on the 11th.
However, Kang reportedly did not give the passcode to the investigative team. Because it is a latest-model iPhone, digital forensics is effectively impossible without the passcode.
Kang is suspected of receiving 100 million won from Seoul City Council member Kim Kyung through Kang's aides ahead of the 2022 local elections.
After the allegations surfaced, on the 1st Kang announced on social media (SNS) that Kang was leaving the Democratic Party of Korea and said Kang would "actively cooperate with the investigation."
Police questioned City Council member Kim once on the 11th after Kim arrived from the United States. They are setting a schedule for an additional summons.
Kim left for the United States late last year and stayed for more than 10 days. During this period, Kim left Telegram twice and rejoined, raising concerns about destruction of evidence. Kim reportedly submitted a mobile phone to the investigative team with the passcode disabled.