CIO Searches Offices of North Chungcheong Governor Kim Young-hwan Over Alleged Multi-Billion Won Bribery

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has launched a compulsory investigation after uncovering circumstances suggesting bribery involving North Chungcheong Governor Kim Young-hwan.
The CIO's Investigation Division 4, led by Chief Prosecutor Cha Jung-hyun, dispatched prosecutors and investigators to the governor's office and other locations today (June 30) to execute search and seizure warrants to secure relevant evidence.
Governor Kim is suspected of receiving money and valuables worth several billion won from a local businessman in exchange for providing various favors, including administrative approvals.
The CIO reportedly applied charges of bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes, viewing the money received by the governor as illicit kickbacks related to his official duties.
Governor Kim's term ends today, and the North Chungcheong provincial government held his farewell ceremony at the provincial office earlier today with approximately 200 public officials and others in attendance.
(Produced by SBS Digital News | Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.