Police raid North Chungcheong governor's office, seize phone in illegal campaigning probe

Police investigating illegal campaigning allegations against North Chungcheong Province Governor Shin Yong-han raided his office Monday.

The North Chungcheong Provincial Police Agency's anti-corruption and financial crimes unit sent investigators to Shin's office at the provincial government building Monday afternoon, securing his mobile phone and other relevant materials.

The exact grounds for the raid have not been disclosed, but the search is believed to be connected to illegal campaigning allegations that surfaced during the June 3 local elections.

Shin had been reported to police on allegations that, ahead of the local elections, he used phones registered under other people's names to send large volumes of text messages soliciting support during the primary election, and that he paid staff salaries through a company owned by associates of his campaign.

Shin has denied the allegations, calling them "groundless."

"We cannot confirm the details as the investigation is ongoing," a police official said.