Police Executive A Suspended Amid Allegations of Quashing Investigation

Police executive A, suspected of improperly handling an investigation into a fraud case involving a famous influencer, has been removed from his post. The Police Agency stated that the suspension was based on the results of an internal investigation into A.

The case originated from a criminal complaint filed against influencer B, known for her role as a model for a Pilates academy franchise. B was accused of fraud and violating the Franchise Business Act by multiple franchise owners in July 2024. The Gangnam Police Station's Investigation Unit 1 decided in December of the same year not to forward the case to prosecutors, citing a lack of evidence.

Prosecutors suspect that Lee, who was acquainted with Superintendent A, met with C, the then-team leader of the Gangnam Police Station's Investigation Unit 1, through A. Lee is suspected of entertaining C at a 'room salon' (a type of hostess bar) and offering him money. Lee is also accused of soliciting both Superintendent A and C to suppress the case involving his wife, B.

The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office's Joint Investigation Division for Financial and Securities Crimes raided the Police Agency headquarters on the 9th of this month and the Gangnam Police Station on the 27th of last month. C has already been removed from his post after being reassigned from team leader to a team member.