▲ Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the ruling Democratic Party (Yonhap)

(LEAD) DP lawmaker-police raid

(LEAD) Police raid DP lawmaker over bribery and corruption allegations

(ATTN: UPDATES with travel ban against Kim in last 2 paras)

SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- Police on Wednesday raided the home and offices of Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) as part of an investigation into allegations of bribery and other wrongdoings.

Investigators from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency conducted a search and seizure operation targeting Kim at six locations, including his home and National Assembly office, Seoul's Dongjak Ward Council, and the home and office of a Dongjak council member.

Kim is suspected of receiving illegal political funds worth 30 million won (US$20,320) from two members of the Dongjak Ward Council in 2020 and returning the money three to five months later.

The lawmaker also faces other corruption allegations, including his suspected acceptance of a high-priced accommodation voucher from Korean Air, his wife's misuse of the Dongjak Ward Council's credit card, interventions in his sons' university transfer and employment, and acceptance of expensive dinner hospitality from Coupang Corp.

He resigned as the DP's floor leader late last month.

The police were reportedly seeking to secure computer data, documents and other evidence related to the bribery and corruption allegations. They are expected to summon Kim soon after completing the analysis of seized items.

They have also imposed travel bans against Kim, his wife and three Dongjak council members involved in the alleged bribes ahead of the general elections in 2020.

Kim has reportedly strongly rejected the bribery allegations, calling them groundless accusations raised ahead of the elections.

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