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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Ellie Kim] A former Seoul Customs Office investigation chief has been indicted and detained for allegedly abusing his authority to solicit and receive 145 million won in bribes from multiple suspects, including drug smugglers.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office said on April 21 that the former official, identified as A, was charged with aggravated bribery. Two individuals who allegedly provided bribes—a company chairman and a former university professor—were indicted without detention.
Prosecutors allege A demanded money in exchange for leniency, including avoiding detention, while investigating drug smuggling and customs violations. He is accused of receiving a total of 145 million won from five suspects.
The investigation began last year after the Korea Customs Service reported suspected misconduct. Prosecutors later uncovered additional payments, including 50 million won in separate cases involving drug suspects and their family members.
Authorities believe A used his investigative powers to assess suspects’ financial status and pressured them by highlighting the severity of their charges before demanding bribes.
Prosecutors said they will review other cases handled by A and examine potential systemic issues in the special judicial police process.
Alphabiz Ellie Kim 인턴기자(press@alphabiz.co.kr)
