[Anchor]
The police, conducting supplementary investigations into corruption allegations surrounding independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, have re-summoned the former aide who exposed the allegations. The former aide criticized that lawmaker Kim, whose investigation has dragged on for over a year, is the "very first beneficiary to feel the benefits of the abolition of the prosecution."
Reporter Bae Seong-jae has the details.
[Reporter]
Yesterday (October 2) afternoon, Kim, a former aide to lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, arrives at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Unit.
Aide Kim stated, "First, there is something I want to say to lawmaker Kim Byung-kee."
[Kim / Former Aide to Lawmaker Kim Byung-kee : Today, October 2, is the day the Prosecutors' Office is abolished. I sincerely congratulate you on evading the prosecution's investigation that you feared so much. I think you might be the number one beneficiary to experience the policy's efficacy regarding the abolition of the prosecution.]
He went on to rebuke both lawmaker Kim and the police, saying, "If it had been the prosecution, the investigation would have been wrapped up in one to two weeks, and lawmaker Kim's custody would have been secured."
This marks his first reference witness interrogation in about six months since early April, bringing the total number of police investigations faced by aide Kim over allegations related to lawmaker Kim to around 10 times.
Yesterday, the police secured additional statements from aide Kim regarding suspicions that independent lawmaker Kang Seon-woo overlooked the acceptance of 100 million won in nomination funds, as well as circumstances indicating evidence destruction by lawmaker Kim.
The police, who have been investigating 13 allegations surrounding lawmaker Kim since September of last year, applied for an arrest warrant for lawmaker Kim on September 7, but were asked by the prosecution for supplementary investigations due to a lack of necessity for detention and the need to further reinforce evidence.
As the investigation has prolonged, it has also passed the late September deadline recommended by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Investigation Review Committee.
Lawmaker Kim's side announced yesterday that they plan to file a complaint against aide Kim for defamation by spreading false information, among other charges.
(Video coverage: Lee Chan-soo)
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