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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Harold Rogers, acting CEO of Coupang Korea, is scheduled to appear before police on January 30 in connection with allegations of a large-scale personal data leak involving the company. Investigators plan to closely examine whether Coupang obstructed the investigation or destroyed evidence during what it described as an internal probe.
According to Newsis on January 29, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s integrated Coupang investigation task force will summon Rogers at 2 p.m. on January 30 as a named suspect.
Rogers had previously failed to comply with two police summonses earlier this month but indicated he would respond to a third request issued on January 14. Authorities confirmed that he entered South Korea on January 21. Observers note that the possibility of an arrest warrant—typically considered after repeated noncompliance—may have influenced his decision to appear.
Rogers has been reported by civic groups on charges including obstruction of official duties by deceptive means, interference with business operations, and destruction of evidence, all related to Coupang’s announcement of findings from its internal investigation.
Police are focusing on why Coupang conducted an internal investigation outside official investigative channels, whether company officials contacted a former employee identified as a suspect, and how the company came into possession of key evidence, including a laptop. Investigators are also assessing whether any evidence may have been tampered with or destroyed during the process.
Separately, police are investigating a total of seven alleged violations, including personal data leakage, failure to comply with data preservation orders, and violations of laws governing testimony and appraisals before the National Assembly. Authorities are continuing an international investigation into a former employee of Chinese nationality identified as a key suspect, in cooperation with Interpol.
Police reportedly sought a travel ban immediately after Rogers’ arrival in South Korea, but prosecutors declined to approve the request, citing his willingness to comply with questioning. As a result, speculation remains that Rogers could depart for the United States once the investigation concludes, potentially complicating ongoing inquiries.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
