Seoul City ODA Officials Under Police Investigation for Embezzling Funds

Two officials responsible for international development cooperation (ODA) at Seoul City have come under police investigation for misappropriating public funds for personal overseas trips.

They are suspected of diverting budget intended for support to developing countries for private use, raising serious concerns about ethics among public officials.

On the 18th, the city of Seoul announced that it had reported A, a section chief, and B, a staff member from the Global City Policy Division, to the Namdaemun Police Station for embezzlement.

They are being accused of misusing approximately 50 million won of unallocated budget for personal purposes. The Seoul City’s internal audit has confirmed the misconduct.

The embezzlement case was first uncovered through internal whistleblowing, and during the investigation by the Seoul City Audit Committee, it was revealed that the two officials had taken public funds meant for supporting developing countries to go on a trip together, purchasing personal items abroad.

This situation is particularly concerning because the department they worked in was responsible for supporting developing countries.

Seoul City has immediately suspended the two officials from their positions following the Audit Committee's recommendation for disciplinary action.

A Seoul City official stated, "The Audit Committee has requested disciplinary action, so the two individuals have been suspended," and added, "We will handle the related procedures swiftly and strictly."

This incident raises serious questions about the ethical awareness of public officials as funds intended for the public purpose of international development cooperation were used for personal travel.

The police will investigate the exact amount of embezzlement and its intended use.