[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] A special prosecutor team has launched its first compulsory investigation into senior prosecution offices as part of a probe into allegations that authorities attempted to cover up the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case.

According to legal sources on March 23, the special counsel team led by Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young carried out search and seizure operations at multiple prosecution offices, including departments within the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. Investigators were dispatched to secure materials related to the case.

The warrants reportedly cite charges such as abuse of authority, while the suspects are listed as unidentified individuals.

The investigation focuses on whether senior officials at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office deliberately delayed or influenced the probe into alleged stock manipulation involving Kim Keon-hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Prosecutors previously cleared Kim of wrongdoing, concluding that she had not been aware of the alleged price manipulation scheme. However, the case sparked controversy after she was questioned privately at a presidential security facility rather than at a prosecution office.

The special prosecutor is analyzing communication records within the prosecution leadership, based on materials transferred from a previous investigative team. Particular attention is being paid to messages allegedly sent by former Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office chief Lee Chang-soo, which may indicate guidance aimed at steering the case toward a non-indictment decision.

The probe will also examine whether there was any improper instruction or interference from higher authorities, including the presidential office, in the decision not to indict. The investigation is expected to build on earlier searches conducted in December involving former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae and former senior presidential secretary Kim Joo-hyun.

 

 

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