최태원 이혼이 쏘아올린 30여년 전 ‘노태우 비자금’ 수사…국고 환수 가능할까

A high-profile investigation into the "No Tae-wu hidden funds scandal" began after a divorce case involving former President No Tae-wu's son, Lee Jae-won, and No So-yeong, the director of the Art Center. The investigation centers on allegations of hidden funds totaling 300 billion won, with the possibility of seizing and freezing the assets of the No family, including their properties and bank accounts.

The investigation started after the 2023 divorce proceedings, when No So-yeong deposited 147 billion won into the Asian Cultural Center (now Asian Cultural Institute) and 5 billion won into the No Tae-wu Center. The investigation has already led to the seizure of the former President's wife, Kim Ok-suk's, property in Seoul. However, the family denies the existence of the 300 billion won hidden fund, with Lee Jae-won's side stating it was for the growth of the party.

The investigation has uncovered suspicions of illegal income and tax evasion, and the statute of limitations for the crime of hiding funds is seven years, making recent fund transfers a key focus. The legal framework for seizing hidden funds has been updated, and the investigation will be aided by the updated independence seizure law, which allows for the seizure of illegal assets even after the death of the suspect.