Kim Geon-hee Special Investigation Team Issues Public Wanted Notice for Lee Gi-hoon, 'Shadow Power' behind Samboo Engineering Stock Manipulation
The special investigation team investigating the allegations related to Kim Geon-hee has issued a public wanted notice for Lee Gi-hoon, the vice chairman identified as a key figure in the Samboo Engineering stock manipulation case.
Having failed to appear for his arrest review and going on the run, the whereabouts of Vice Chairman Lee have remained unknown for over a month, while the investigation team's net is tightening.
On the 19th, Special Prosecutor Park Sang-jin announced that he requested the National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters for an urgent public wanted notice for Lee Gi-hoon, chairman of Wellbiotech (in addition to being vice chairman of Samboo Engineering).
This move comes as a strong measure taken after Lee went missing following his failure to appear for a pre-arrest questioning session on the 17th of last month.
Allegations of Stock Manipulation by the 'Shadow Power'
According to the released wanted poster, Vice Chairman Lee is accused of manipulating Samboo Engineering's stock price through illegal means from May to September 2023, obtaining unjust profits amounting to hundreds of billions of won (in violation of the Capital Market Act).
Lee, identified as the 'shadow power' behind the Samboo Engineering stock manipulation case, is considered a crucial piece of the puzzle in the special investigation team's efforts.
The wanted poster also provides a detailed description of Lee's appearance.
He is described as a 59-year-old male, approximately 178 cm tall with a slender build, and while he has short hair, the possibility of disguise is noted.
A Critical Phase in the Special Investigation
For the special investigation team examining the allegations related to Kim Geon-hee, Vice Chairman Lee's testimony holds significant importance.
This is because the contextual elements related to the Samboo Engineering stock manipulation case are closely related to the scope of the investigation.
The investigation team seems to believe that the information held by Lee could be a crucial lead that may change the course of the entire investigation.
According to legal experts, a public wanted notice is generally a strong investigative measure applied to suspects of serious crimes or those at a high risk of fleeing.
The special investigation team's decision to take such action is interpreted as stemming from the belief that Lee's testimony could have a decisive impact on the investigation.
Future Outlook
With the public wanted notice from the special investigation team, the investigation net around Lee Gi-hoon is expected to narrow further.
As the cooperative investigation by the police and special investigation team intensifies, efforts to track Vice Chairman Lee's escape route are likely to accelerate.
Meanwhile, legal experts advise that "fleeing can work against oneself with unfavorable evidence" and that "ultimately, facing legal judgment may be the best option."
As interest grows regarding the whereabouts of Vice Chairman Lee, attention is also focused on the direction of the special investigation.
Image Source: Wanted Poster for Lee Gi-hoon, Vice Chairman of Samboo Engineering / Photos: Kim Geon-hee Special Investigation Team, Kim Geon-hee / News1, Photos: Insight
