Police have extended the investigation period for independent lawmaker Kim Byeong-gi, who is facing various misconduct allegations, until the end of this month. This decision follows repeated requests from prosecutors for supplementary investigations, and police plan to conclude the case without reapplying for an arrest warrant.
According to police on November 12, the Seoul Police Agency's Investigation Review Committee recently accepted the public crime investigation team's request to extend the investigation period for Kim.
Previously, Kim's accusers had expressed concerns over the prolonged investigation and requested a review committee meeting to address delays in handling the case.
During a regular meeting on August 25, the review committee advised the investigation team to resolve the matter swiftly within a month. However, the prosecution requested additional investigations instead of filing the arrest warrant that police had applied for, leading to a prior extension of the investigation period earlier last month.
After completing the first round of supplementary investigations, police recently discussed the case's direction with the prosecution through a 'major case cooperation procedure.' However, it was reported that the prosecution indicated the need for further evidence and legal review regarding some allegations, including the suspicion of accepting bribes involving independent lawmaker Kang Seon-woo, preventing the investigation from concluding.
As a result, the investigation team requested another extension, which the review committee approved, allowing for additional investigations until November 30.
Police are expected to complete the remaining supplementary investigations and transfer the case to the prosecution without reapplying for an arrest warrant against Kim.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.