Researcher sent to prosecutors for demanding Hawaii airfare in bribery case

Prosecutors have received a senior researcher from the Korea Institute of Construction Technology who allegedly demanded airfare to Hawaii from a company representative, promising it would help secure a contract. The Gyeonggi Ilsanseo Police Station announced on July 1st that they have sent the researcher, identified only as 'A', to the prosecution on charges of receiving bribes. The representative of the company, 'B', has also been sent to prosecutors on charges of offering bribes.

Researcher 'A' is accused of having company 'B' cover approximately 5.5 million won (around $4,000 USD) in travel expenses, including flights to Hawaii, in connection with a road traffic volume survey contract put out for bid by the institute in December 2023. Police believe 'A' could have influenced the selection process, as they were involved in drafting the bid documents and selecting evaluation committee members.

Company 'B' reportedly paid the funds to the researcher involved in the selection process in an effort to win the contract. According to police findings, 'A' told 'B' that supporting travel expenses would be beneficial for the business selection. However, company 'B' was ultimately not awarded the contract in 2024, even after providing the funds.

During the police investigation, 'A' reportedly admitted to receiving the money but denied any intention to grant special favors to the company. The investigation was initiated following a referral from the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), which had received information suggesting an employee at a research institution in northern Gyeonggi Province was using their authority over contract selection to solicit funds from company officials. Police have secured a provisional disposition for the full 5.5 million won believed to have been received by 'A'.

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