Choi Sung-Gyu, Arrest Warrant…Requests Extradition from U.S

The special precinct 2 of Seoul District prosecutor`s office confirmed on 23rd that Choi Sung-Gyu, former director of special investigation in the police office, who disappeared in New York, received 40,000 shares of B venture company that was related to C hospital, along with the request to sooth investigation of the C hospital in Seoul from Mr. Choi Gyu-Sun, C.E.O of future city environment, is issued an arrest warrant.

According to the prosecution, former director Choi is under suspicion that he received 40,000 shares (face value, 500won) of B company with the request from Mr.Choi, “consider doctors of C hospital and provide rebate in investigation of pharmaceutical company”.

The prosecution, as arrest warrant of former director Choi is issued, will request extradition from U.S through justice ministry and will give search instructions regarding former director Choi to Interpol through the National Police Office.

On the other hand, Mr.Hong-gul, the third son of President Kim Dae-Jung who is suspected to be in connivation with Mr.Choi, is reported to have had discussion regarding nomination of counsel.

Advocate Yang In-Suk said, “Mr. Hwang In-don, brother-in-law of Mr.Hong-gul came to me to represent him as his defense counsel last weekend” and, “although there was no dialogue regarding Mr.Hong-gul, it is possible to take up his defense, too.”

The prosecution repaired hard disk which it seized from the office of Mr.Choi Gyu-son and is investigating closely repaired files about schedule of Mr.Choi and money transactions.

The prosecution, as Kim Hee-wan, ex-vice mayor of Seoul disobeys summons is requesting early appearance through advocate as well as considering measures to bring him forcibly by issuing arrest warrants.

The prosecution will investigate whether former vice-mayor Kim shared money 150 million won with former director Choi and Mr.Choi Gyu-son, along with request for soothing investigation on C hospital, and whether he introduced Mr.Cho, vice president of Posco member company to Mr.Choi and was involved in sale of shares of Tiger pools international (TPI).

On the other hand, Mr. Oh Chang-Soo, C.E.O of Impact promotion (publicity event company) who was prohibited to travel abroad as he is suspected to have given 30,000 shares of TPI to Mr.Choi at a price below 10,000 won per share and lobbied with Mr.Hong-gul for shares, is reported to have escaped to Thailand on the first of April, before the prohibition to travel was enforced.

Jin-Kyun Kil myzodan@donga.com · leon@donga.com