The police have expanded their investigation into the alleged inflation of overseas trip expenses by local councils in South Korea, recently referring an Ansan city council member to prosecutors. This member is suspected of violating election laws by unlawfully covering travel costs for public servants on overseas trips. Alongside this individual, five city council employees and five travel agency officials were also sent to prosecutors on fraud charges related to claims of inflated airfare for these trips.

The investigation into local council overseas trip expenses began after a request from the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission earlier this year. As of now, police have completed investigations into 16 out of 19 local councils and have identified illegal activities in 11 councils. They have already referred a total of 18 local officials to prosecutors for various charges, including violations of election laws and fraudulent practices associated with trip expenses.

In light of the ongoing scrutiny, the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, which has faced significant criticism due to allegations of mishandling council member expenses, is now facing its own internal investigations. Controversy erupted as one council staff member committed suicide during the investigation, leading to intensified calls for clarity and accountability regarding the conduct of council members. Critics accuse the police of "cutting the tails" of the investigation due to a perceived lack of accountability among council members, especially as no Gyeonggi councilors have yet been charged, raising concerns over transparency in the ongoing proceedings.