Former CIO Chief Kim Jin-wook Cleared in ‘VIP-Style Questioning’ Controversy

[Financial News] Prosecutors have decided not to indict former Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) chief Kim Jin-wook, former deputy chief Yeo Un-guk, and others who were accused over the alleged "VIP-style summons and questioning" of Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Lee Sung-yoon.
According to legal sources on the 6th, Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Shin Do-uk, decided on the 25th of last month not to indict former chief Kim, who had been accused of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, abusing his authority to interfere with the exercise of rights, and dereliction of duty. The office also closed its investigation without indictment for former CIO deputy chief Yeo and others who had been reported along with him.
Kim was suspected of having conducted a so-called "VIP-style summons and questioning" on March 7, 2021, when he summoned Lee, then serving as head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, to the CIO as a suspect. He allegedly provided his official Genesis vehicle for Lee’s use as part of this preferential treatment.
Controversy also arose from the fact that, after questioning Lee and his attorney for more than an hour, no formal statement was recorded. The investigation report likewise did not state any reason for failing to prepare the statement.
In response, civic groups filed complaints with the prosecution and police against former chief Kim and others, prompting an investigation. In 2022, the police had already decided not to refer a similar case for prosecution.
A prosecution official stated, "We reached this decision because the case does not meet the legal elements required under the law."
kyu0705@fnnews.com Kim Dong-gyu Reporter