Belgian brewer barred from leaving South Korea due to fraud investigation
A Belgian brewer has been barred from leaving South Korea due to a case of alleged fraud involving the import of malt, an essential ingredient in beer brewing. The person in question is the CEO of OB (Oriental Brewery), the country's largest brewer, owned by AB Inbev.
According to the Korean press, the case dates back to April when Korean customs officials raided the headquarters of OB Beer in the Gangnam district of the capital Seoul. OB is alleged to have exceeded its malt import quota.
On 20 May, the public prosecutor charged two people with tax evasion, including the purchasing director. The prosecutors are investigating whether the company is systematically involved. Pending the outcome, the Belgian CEO is not allowed to leave the country, according to information obtained during the Belgian ministerial visit to Japan and South Korea.
“We remain committed, with all due respect for the Korean authorities and the separation of powers, to supporting and assisting our compatriot who is facing legal proceedings and a travel ban, which is also having a negative impact on his work and family,” Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot told Belga on Friday.
South Korean flag in Seoul © PHOTO Kim Jae-Hwan / SOPA Images / Sipa USA
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