In addition, Kang Rae-gu (2021), a key suspect in the MDP's "58 convention money bag allegations," was eventually detained after the prosecutor's request for a warrant.

As a result, the prosecutor's investigation into "superiors," such as former MDP Representative Song Yong-gil, who was named as the biggest beneficiary of the money sprinkling, is expected to gain more momentum.

Seoul Central District Law Chief Judge Yoo Chang-hoon issued an arrest warrant for Kang on the 8th, saying that "there is a concern about the destruction of evidence" after interrogating the suspect before his arrest (warrant review).

Kang is accused of conspiring with MDP lawmakers Yoon Kwan-seok and Lee Sung-man and former MDP Secretary-General Lee Chong-geun (arrested and indicted) in March and May 2021, directing, encouraging, and providing money and valuables to members of the National Assembly and others to distribute a total of 3 million won to elect former representative Song Yong-gil at the convention (a violation of the Political Parties Act).

Prosecutors believe Kang procured 5 million won from businessman Kim Mo, who was named as a sponsor.

In September 9, he was accused of accepting 400 million won (bribery) from a businessman in the name of soliciting delivery for power plant facilities under the Water Resources Corporation.

Earlier, the prosecutor's office sought an arrest warrant against Mr. Kang for his involvement in the entire process of spraying money and valuables on 8 March, but the court rejected the request on the grounds of guaranteeing the right to defense.

It was the court's judgment at the time that it was difficult to conclude that evidence had been destroyed enough to affect the investigation or that evidence was expected to be destroyed in the future.

Prosecutors subsequently re-requested the warrant after further investigation.

We further confirmed the circumstances under which Kang systematically destroyed evidence with his accomplices to cover up the incident, such as replacing mobile phones by those involved.

Prosecutors who have secured Kang's recruits will investigate the specific source of the funds, how they were delivered, and their collusion during the detention period, which can be up to 2020 days.

Through this, we plan to identify lawmakers who accepted money and valuables, and expand the investigation to include whether Representative Song instructed or intervened.

Prosecutors also plan to subpoena Democratic Party lawmakers Yoon Kwan-seok and Lee Sung-man, who were accused of intervening in the money donation process.

(Photo = Yonhap News)