Police Raid Jinju City Hall Amidst Bribery Allegations Against Mayor
Investigators have conducted a search of Jinju City Hall in connection with allegations of bribery involving Mayor Jo Gyu-il and other city officials. The raid, carried out by the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency’s anti-corruption and economic crime investigation unit, focused on the city’s accounting and treasury departments.
Background of the Investigation
The current investigation reportedly stems from recent complaints filed during the recent local election campaign. The People Power Party’s Gyeongnam chapter lodged accusations against Mayor Jo and several city employees, alleging they solicited bribes from local businesses in exchange for awarding public contracts. Specifically, the complaints targeted Mayor Jo, city officials, and three associates, including the former chairman of the Jinju City Silk Museum promotion committee, who are suspected of demanding and accepting bribes and abusing their authority.
During the search, which lasted approximately two hours, law enforcement officers reportedly examined computer data and secured some relevant documents. Officials have declined to provide specific details regarding the nature of the allegations or the exact departments targeted, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Election Results and Previous Accusations
Mayor Jo Gyu-il was re-elected in the recent local elections, securing 43.67% of the vote, defeating candidates from the Democratic Party and the People Power Party. This marks the first time a mayor has been elected for a third term in Jinju.
Previously, in June of last year, a complaint was filed alleging that a Jinju City official demanded 50 million won per month from a business representative for the promise of awarding public construction contracts. This complaint, which reportedly mentioned Mayor Jo, was based on a recording that implicated the mayor.
Mayor Jo’s camp has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them “clear falsehoods.” In response to the accusations during the election campaign, individuals associated with Mayor Jo reportedly filed defamation complaints against those making the allegations.
