Common Motors is cooperating with authorities in the investigation of a previous GM supervisor accused of getting $3.45 million in bribes from a South Korean parts provider.
Hyoung Nam So, 46, was arrested Thursday in Los Angeles, which was first described by the LA Situations. He also goes by the name “Brian So,” according to a federal grand jury indictment issued Wednesday.
The indictment mentioned that, starting in August 2015, So recognized $3.45 million in cash from the pieces provider in exchange for correcting bids on a agreement to supply GM with vehicle painting, window movie and molding.
The initially $1 million was allegedly presented to So at a “resort in Troy,” in accordance to the indictment.
So, who now lives in Irvine, California, worked at GM from 2013 by way of 2015 as a manager in the automaker’s world obtaining and provide chain in Detroit. He led the provide of components applied to create automobile interiors.
In accordance to his on the web resume, So joined Karma Automotive, a luxurious electric car organization, in January 2020, and served as head of world acquiring. A Karma Automotive spokeswoman claimed So left the corporation in December 2021.
So’s lawyer, H. Dean Steward, declined to comment.
GM claimed it is cooperating with authorities.
“Standard Motors does not tolerate or condone corruption or bribery of any variety,” a assertion from the organization to the Detroit Totally free Push examine. “The illegal conduct alleged in this article is totally inconsistent with our code of perform and corporate policies.”
GM confirmed So is no extended a GM employee.
“We have cooperated with the U.S. Attorney’s Office environment for the Central District of California all over the system, which has verified that GM is neither a concentrate on nor subject of the investigation,” the statement said.
The indictment billed So with a single count of conspiracy to commit federal money bribery. It does not name the supplier.
In accordance to the LA Instances, prosecutors described the amount of money of the alleged kickback as “unusually higher for a purchasing agent at one particular of America’s most significant companies.”
The supplier was prosecuted in South Korea, the LA Situations wrote, attributing it to the U.S. Attorney’s Business office in Los Angeles.
In accordance to the LA Periods: “Kookje Shinmun, a newspaper in Busan, South Korea, documented that an unnamed automobile areas provider was arrested and indicted in 2017 on rates of having to pay a $3.45-million ‘rebate’ on a $35-million sale of car or truck tools to GM.” The outcome of the circumstance was unclear.
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Detroit Free of charge Push staff writer Khalil AlHajal contributed to this report.
Get in touch with Jamie L. LaReau: 313-222-2149 or [email protected]. Abide by her on Twitter @jlareauan. Browse more on Standard Motors and indicator up for our autos publication. Become a subscriber.
This posting initially appeared on Detroit No cost Press: Ex-GM supervisor arrested on bribery accusations involving areas provider
