A former police investigation team leader, indicted and detained on charges of improperly intervening in the fraud investigation of broadcaster Yang Jeong-won, a former Pilates instructor, after receiving money and valuables, denied all charges at the first trial.
On the 9th, Presiding Judge Han Jeong-seok, Criminal Division 3 Single Judge at the Seoul Southern District Court, held the first hearing for former Gangnam Police Station investigation team leader, Inspector Song, who was indicted on charges including bribery, abuse of authority, and leaking official secrets. Inspector Lee of the Korean National Police Agency, who was brought to trial on charges of brokerage bribery, and a person surnamed Seo, a multilevel marketing and cryptocurrency operator accused of offering bribes, were also tried together.
That day, Inspector Song's side flatly denied the prosecution's allegations. Song's attorney said there was no brokerage related to the position or receipt of bribes, and noted they merely informed the related parties about the progress of the investigation and did not leak facts that constitute official secrets.
Inspector Lee's side also denied the allegations of brokerage or bribery related to official duties. However, they acknowledged the fact of attending a drinking gathering without bearing the expense.
Prosecutors believe that Inspector Song, during the investigation into Yang's fraud case, received contact from Inspector Lee, who was acquainted with Yang's husband, a person surnamed Lee, and improperly intervened in the case handling. It was found that Yang, who had been accused of fraud and registered in the system as a suspect, was changed to a reference and excluded from the investigation.
Song and Lee are also accused of receiving money and valuables, including a luxury scarf, from Lee and being treated at an entertainment bar worth several million won. Yang's husband, Lee, was indicted first in May on charges of providing them with money and valuables.
At the bail hearing held that day, Song's attorney argued that the charges stated in the search and seizure warrant were leaking official secrets, not bribery, and claimed that seizing items unrelated to that charge amounted to unlawful evidence collection.
Prosecutors countered that during the search and seizure they found a large amount of cash and other items suspected to be quid pro quo and then obtained an additional warrant. The additional warrant specified "Lee and unidentified persons related to the case," and prosecutors said items received in exchange for leaking official secrets were also included among the items to be seized.
Song and Lee are currently suspended from duty. The next hearing is scheduled to be held on Oct. 28 in the morning.
Meanwhile, a person surnamed Seo, a multilevel marketing and cryptocurrency operator who was under investigation at the Gangnam Police Station, is accused of handing Inspector Song gift certificates worth about 2 million won in return for receiving investigation-related information and convenience in case handling. Seo admitted all of the charges in court that day.