An employee of the National Election Commission was found dead the day after being investigated by a special prosecutor team regarding allegations of bid rigging. The special prosecutor's office stated that there were no coercive circumstances during the investigation.
According to Yonhap News, at around 7:06 AM on October 21, a 40-year-old official identified as A was discovered dead in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. A suicide note was reportedly found at the scene, and police are investigating the exact circumstances of the death.
A had appeared before the special prosecutor team the previous day as a suspect facing charges of bid interference and breach of duty. The special prosecutor's office has been expanding its investigation into bid rigging related to election supplies contracts, including early voting boxes and polling place signage, from last year's presidential election and this year's local elections.
A attended the special prosecutor's office in the morning for questioning with a lawyer present, which concluded at around 8:55 PM. After reviewing the suspect interrogation records for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, A returned home at around 10:40 PM.
Upon learning of A's death, the special prosecutor's office expressed its condolences, stating, "We extend our deepest sympathies to the deceased and affirm that there were no coercive circumstances during the investigation, as the suspect voluntarily reviewed and amended the records."
Lee Tae-han, the special prosecutor, was scheduled to meet with Kim Ji-yong, the inaugural head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, later that afternoon to discuss future investigation plans, but this schedule is expected to change.
If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or facing difficulties, you can receive 24-hour expert counseling through the suicide prevention hotline at 109 or the suicide prevention SNS counseling service 'Madelan.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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