Probe into former first lady’s alleged influence peddling intensifies as prosecutors seize Chanel box
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Prosecutors reportedly seized a Chanel box believed to be part of a lobbying attempt targeting former first lady Kim Keon Hee, intensifying a growing investigation into allegations of illicit gift-giving and influence-peddling involving close aides and religious figures.
The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office recovered the Chanel product box during an April 30 raid on the residence of a former presidential secretary, surnamed Yoo, according to the legal community on Monday.
The seized box is believed to be a package for one of two Chanel bags Yoo allegedly received from shaman Jeon Seong-bae, 64, also known as “Geon Jin,” exchanging them for premium payments. Prosecutors also reportedly confiscated receipts and product certificates linked to the luxury items.
Prosecutors suspect that a former Unification Church executive surnamed Yoon passed the Chanel bags to shaman Jeon, who then purportedly delivered them to Kim via Yoo. Prosecutors believe the bags were lobbying gifts meant to influence Kim.
However, Kim’s side issued a statement on Monday, denying any connection to the items and downplaying the significance of the seizure.
“The box seized from Yoo’s residence is a cosmetic storage box approximately 20 centimeters (7.87 inches) wide and 13 centimeters tall, completely unrelated to the case,” Kim’s side said, calling the container “just an ordinary household reusable box.”
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