Seizing Mr. Choi Gyu-Son`s Money Received by Mr.Hongul

The Special precinct 2 (Chief Prosecutor, Cha Dong-Min) in Seoul district public prosecutor`s office reported that it is investigating the suspicion that Mr. Choi Gyu-Son, C.E.O of future city environment gave considerable sum of money from 400 million won, which he received from S construction company for establishing electronic

company to Mr. Hong-gul, third son of President Kim Dae-Jung.

Mr. You, former chairman of S construction firm stated at the prosecution, saying, ¡°I gave 400 million won to Mr.Choi as he suggested establishing of electronic firm for making semiconductors in March 2001, however he said later on, “I gave the money to high ranking officials”.

People close to Mr.Choi delivered, “Mr. Choi said that Mr. Hong-gul spent most of the money”.

Following this, the prosecution is clarifying the money delivered to Mr. Hong-gul or his brother-in-law, Mr. Hwang In-don, by tracking borrowed name account of Mr.Choi.

Mr. You stated that he received the money back from Mr Choi, as he didn`t seem to establish the firm.

Also, the prosecution stated that on 22nd it will summon Kim Hee-Wan, former vice mayor of Seoul state affairs, who is suspected to have received money and shares from Mr.Choi on 23rd.

Former vice-mayor Kim introduced Mr.Choi to Mr. Song Jae-Bin, C.E.O of Tiger Pools international (TPI) in December 2000 and is suspected to have had meeting with Mr.Choi besides sharing money and stocks, which Mr.Song provided, with Mr.Choi.

The prosecution stated that it searched house of Choi Sung-Gyu, former director in special investigation depptt of police station, who escaped to the U.S last weekend, however it couldn`t find any clue for criminal indictment.

Myoung-Gun Lee gun43@donga.com · myzodan@donga.com