A senior researcher at a government-funded science and technology institute has been arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes in exchange for influencing the selection of companies for government projects. The head of a venture company has also been apprehended on charges of offering the bribes.
Investigation Details
The Ilsan Seobu Police Station in Gyeonggi Province announced on July 1st that they have sent the senior researcher, identified as Mr. A, and the representative of the venture company, Mr. B, to the prosecution. Mr. A is accused of receiving bribes, while Mr. B faces charges of offering them.
Allegations of Bribery
Mr. A, who was responsible for tasks such as drafting project proposals and selecting evaluation committees for projects commissioned by national research institutes, is suspected of receiving money from Mr. B, the representative of a venture company. The bribes were allegedly given in exchange for ensuring Mr. B’s company was selected for projects.
Investigators revealed that Mr. A allegedly requested money from Mr. B, stating that financial support for his travel expenses would aid in the project selection process. Mr. B is reported to have provided approximately 5.5 million won (approximately $4,000 USD) to cover Mr. A’s travel expenses.
Background and Relationship
Interestingly, the company operated by Mr. B was reportedly not selected for the project in question. Despite this, the investigation suggests that Mr. A and Mr. B maintained a close relationship, often discussing research-related matters and appearing to be on friendly terms.
Initiation of Investigation and Asset Seizure
The police initiated their investigation after receiving a referral from the National Intelligence Service. Following the referral, the police proceeded with the arrests and have since seized the full amount of the alleged bribes received by Mr. A, initiating an asset forfeiture process.
Further details regarding the scope of the alleged bribery and the specific projects involved are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses through the prosecution.
