Gyeonggi Province Urges Reports of Public Officials' Illegal Real Estate Speculation Through 'Gyeonggi Province Public Interest Hotline'

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hun Reporter] In response to recent allegations of real estate speculation by LH employees, Gyeonggi Province announced on the 12th that it will actively encourage reports of public officials' real estate speculation through the 'Gyeonggi Province Public Interest Hotline (hotline.gg.go.kr)' and will thoroughly investigate and respond to all reports received.

Previously, the province established the 'Gyeonggi Province Development District Speculation Comprehensive Investigation Task Force' (hereinafter referred to as the Task Force) on the 5th and is cooperating closely with the joint government investigation task force for the third-phase new cities. The province is independently investigating six project sites led by Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Development Corporation (GH)—including Yongin Platform City, Pyeongtaek Hyunduk District, Gwangmyeong Hak-On, Seongnam Geumto, Anyang Gwanyang-Go, and Anyang Induk-Won—and adjacent areas.

The province urged citizens to actively report cases involving real estate speculation by Gyeonggi public officials through the 'Gyeonggi Province Public Interest Hotline (hotline.gg.go.kr)'.

Public officials are prohibited from using secrets and information learned during official duties to gain financial benefits. Violations of this prohibition are subject to Article 9 of the 'Special Law on Public Housing', Article 7-2 of the 'Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Act', and the Gyeonggi Province Public Officials Code of Conduct, and reports can be made through the Gyeonggi Province Public Interest Hotline.

Reports made with false information regarding real estate transaction notifications also fall under violations of the 'Real Estate Transaction Notification Act' and can be reported as public interest reports.

Additionally, reports can be made for cases where agricultural land acquisition certificates are issued illegally in violation of the 'Agricultural Land Act' in the relevant district.

Reports of real estate speculation by Gyeonggi public officials are subject to strict confidentiality regarding the whistleblower's identity in accordance with the 'Whistleblower Protection Act' and the 'Gyeonggi Province Ordinance on Protection and Support of Public Interest Reports', and whistleblowers are eligible for various protective measures if they suffer disadvantages as a result of their reports.

Upon receipt of a report, the Gyeonggi Province Comprehensive Investigation Task Force will conduct a rigorous investigation and take strong action, including internal disciplinary measures as well as investigation referrals and criminal complaints for violations of laws and regulations.

Depending on the outcome of disciplinary action, the province plans to actively consider providing rewards to whistleblowers.

However, reward payment is restricted if the whistleblower is a public official with job-related connections. Whistleblowers who require more thorough identity protection may file anonymous reports through a non-real-name proxy reporting attorney as guided on the Gyeonggi Province Public Interest Hotline reporting page, and anonymous reports are also eligible for reward payments.

A Gyeonggi Province official stated, "We will pursue an investigation with a firm and thorough zero-tolerance policy toward corrupt acts by Gyeonggi public officials," and added, "We plan to encourage active reporting from whistleblowers through active investigations and policies for whistleblower protection and rewards."