Mar 4 β€’ 12:57 UTC πŸ‡°πŸ‡· Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Receiving 700 million from a pastor for 'commissioned investigation'... Former and current police officers handed over to the prosecution

Former and current police officers in Seoul are being prosecuted for taking bribes from a pastor in exchange for conducting a commission investigation.

In a significant corruption case in Seoul, former and current police officers have been charged by prosecutors after allegedly receiving approximately 700 million won (about $600,000) from a pastor of a large church. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Anti-Corruption Investigation Division revealed that these officers were involved in an investigation on behalf of the pastor concerning a rival pastor's embezzlement case. The investigation reportedly unfolded from March 2022 to December 2024, during which the officers not only obtained bribes but also leaked confidential information regarding the case to the pastor. The main accused, referred to as G, and fellow officers communicated sensitive details back to the pastor following requests made by him, including potentially damaging recordings of conversations between the assigned prosecutor and police. G's illegal activities reportedly intensified after his retirement in August 2023, as he continued to relay information and received additional funds in the ongoing inquiry against pastor D. The implications of this case have raised concerns over law enforcement integrity and accountability, revealing a troubling intersection between the police and religious institutions where significant monetary donations are in play. Ultimately, the 7.5 billion won received by the pastor was derived from contributions made by church members, which led the police to investigate the pastor for embezzlement under the Special Economic Crimes Act. The case has severe ramifications not only for public trust in the police but also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of religious leaders in financial dealings. This multifaceted scandal illustrates deeper issues within the nexus of law enforcement and community leadership, necessitating scrutiny and reform to prevent future occurrences.

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