Investigations into Lee Won-ho`s Mass Money Withdrawal

The Choengju Provincial Police Agency investigating into bribery suspicion involving former presidential aid Yang Gil-sung, grilled K nightclub owner Lee Won-ho(50, arrested) and its president Yoo(41, arrested) to find reasons why huge amount of money was withdrawn from the accounts of Lee`s wife and Yoo prior to Yang`s visits to Choengju (April 17 and June 28).

The prosecution focused its investigations on the usage of 5 billion won that Lee and Yoo withdrew in October and November. Lee argued that none of the money drawn out from October last year to July this year was spent to make political contributions during last year’s presidential election and bribe government officials asking ending of the investigations into him. He said, “The money was spent to pay for construction fees and the land purchase contract for my nightclub.”

As former prosecutor Kim Do-hoon`s (37, arrested) memo, which indicates Lee’s money was given to some politicians, was reveled, opposition parties and civic groups call for the establishment of a special prosecution team for the case.

Leadership of the Grand National Party`s North Choengcheong branch said, “The investigation into Yang should have been focused on his illegal lobbying using money. But the prosecution has given time for those involved in the bribery case to cover up evidences, as it has too much emphasized the secret video tapping.”

The Grand National Party argued, “Supreme prosecutors should form a special investigation team to show its will to root out corruption by finding out what had really happened in the bribery case.” Civic groups in North Chungcheong Province also called for the setup of a special probe team, saying, “Considering former prosecutor Kim`s memo, Lee could have possibly lobbied some politicians. Everything must be revealed by a special prosecution team.”

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