Police investigating Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, who is embroiled in various corruption allegations, are struggling to secure evidence.
According to police and others on the 15th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit is analyzing items seized the previous day. In connection with the "nomination bribery allegations," police searched and seized six locations, including Kim's home, his National Assembly office, and his district office.
Police, acting on testimony from a former aide that "Kim and his spouse have a personal safe where they store valuables," sent investigators to the home of Kim's second son but ultimately did not find the safe. Police are continuing to track down Kim's safe.
During the search, Kim turned in his iPhone but reportedly did not disclose the passcode. Without the passcode, digital forensics on an iPhone is effectively difficult.
Kim is suspected of receiving a total of 30 million won from two former Dongjak district council members around the 2020 general election and then returning it.
In addition, he was accused over allegations including: ▲ involvement in the eldest son's hiring at the National Intelligence Service ▲ involvement in the second son's transfer to Soongsil University ▲ his spouse's private use of district council business promotion expenses and attempts to stifle the investigation ▲ receiving hotel accommodation vouchers from Korean Air.