Police have launched a reinvestigation into Kang Ho-dong, Chairperson of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF), over allegations of receiving money and gifts.
According to police, Chairperson Kang arrived at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Metropolitan Investigation Unit building in Mapo-gu, Seoul, around 9:20 a.m. on the 19th.
Police are reportedly investigating suspicions that Kang received high-value condolence money during the funeral of his mother-in-law. Earlier, police had questioned agricultural cooperative heads who provided condolence money to Kang about the circumstances of the gift delivery and whether it involved quid pro quo arrangements.
Chairperson Kang faces allegations of receiving 100 million Korean won in cash on two occasions from representatives of service companies with business ties to NACF affiliates around the time of the NACF chairperson election in January 2024, in exchange for business favors. Police raided NACF offices, including the chairperson’s office, in October last year and questioned Kang as a suspect in April.
Police are also investigating suspicions of internal fund misappropriation at NACF. Some departments allegedly used approximately 240 million Korean won in public funds from 2024 to last year to purchase high-value commemorative items, including red ginseng and cosmetics, which were delivered to the chairperson’s and vice-chairperson’s offices. In connection with this, the Seoul Central District Court issued a bench warrant on September 30 for Cha, a secretary-general staff member at NACF accused of occupational embezzlement, citing concerns over evidence destruction.
Chairperson Kang denied the fund misappropriation allegations during a parliamentary audit by the National Assembly’s Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Forestry, and Maritime Affairs Committee on the 16th. When asked if he had instructed or colluded in the purchase of high-value commemorative items, Kang replied, “No.” He also stated he would take legal responsibility if his involvement were proven.
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