A former police detective, Song, who was arrested for allegedly interfering in the fraud investigation of fitness instructor Yang Jung-won, has denied all charges during his first court appearance. Song, formerly the head of the investigation team at the Gangnam Police Station, faces accusations including bribery, abuse of power, and leaking official secrets.
First Trial Proceedings
The initial hearing for Song, accused of receiving bribes and abusing his authority, took place on September 9th at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Han Jeong-seok. Also standing trial is Seo, a businessman involved in the multi-level marketing and cosmetics industries, who is accused of offering bribes. Seo is also facing charges related to bribery.
Song’s defense team vehemently denied all allegations presented by the prosecution. “There is no truth to the claims of accepting bribes or abusing authority in relation to his position,” stated Song’s lawyer. “He merely informed the relevant parties about the ongoing investigation status, and there was no leakage of information that constitutes an official secret.”
Seo’s side also refuted the charges of bribery and abuse of power connected to his official duties. However, Seo did admit to attending a gathering and not covering the associated costs himself.
Allegations of Improper Investigation Interference
Prosecutors allege that Song improperly intervened in the fraud investigation of Yang Jung-won. They believe this interference occurred after Song was contacted by Seo, a friend of Yang’s husband, Lee. It is suspected that Song influenced the investigation, leading to Yang, who was initially listed as a suspect in the fraud case, being reclassified as a witness and subsequently excluded from further investigation.
Both Song and Seo are accused of receiving luxury goods, such as branded scarves, from Lee, Yang’s husband. They are also suspected of receiving entertainment valued at millions of won. Lee was the first to be arrested in May, facing charges for providing these alleged gifts.
Dispute Over Evidence Seizure
During a bail hearing, Song’s defense argued that the items seized during a search of his property were not related to bribery but rather to the alleged leaking of official secrets. They further contended that the seizure of unrelated items was an illegal collection of evidence.
The prosecution countered this by stating that a large amount of cash and other items suspected to be proceeds of bribery were discovered during the initial search, prompting them to obtain an additional search warrant. This supplementary warrant, according to the prosecution, specifically listed items related to Lee and “individuals involved in the case,” including those received as payment for leaking official secrets.
Current Status and Next Steps
Both Song and Seo have been suspended from their duties pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. The next court session is scheduled for October 28th.
Meanwhile, Seo, the businessman investigated by the Gangnam Police Station for his multi-level marketing and cosmetics business, faces charges of offering Song approximately 2 million won worth of gift certificates. This is in exchange for preferential treatment and information regarding the investigation and its handling. Seo reportedly confessed to these charges in court.
The case continues to unfold, with further hearings expected to clarify the extent of the alleged misconduct and the validity of the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
