Kimbap franchise Kim Ga-ne chairman faces embezzlement probe as prosecutors seek further investigation

Prosecutors have asked police to conduct additional investigation into embezzlement charges against Kim Yong-man, chairman of kimbap franchise Kim Ga-ne.

The Seoul Northern District Prosecutors Office returned the case to police on Thursday after police forwarded it in June. Kim faces charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes for allegedly embezzling hundreds of millions of won.

Prosecutors determined that the police investigation had been insufficient.

An official at Seongbuk Police Station, which received the case back, said it was difficult to provide details on a matter still under investigation.

Kim is accused of siphoning about 600 million won ($399,000) in company funds between January 2023 and the following year.

Police suspect he personally pocketed incentive payments and commissions that food ingredient suppliers and interior construction contractors — firms doing business with Kim Ga-ne — had paid to the company.

Kim was also sentenced in May to three years in prison, suspended for five years, on charges of attempted quasi-rape after allegedly trying to sexually assault an employee while she was intoxicated.