Prosecutors raid LG Electronics to solve washing machine case

Prosecutors raided the headquarters of LG Electronics on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that the company vandalized Samsung Electronics’ washing machines at retail stores in Germany three months ago.

According to LG and the prosecutors, a team of investigators from the Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office raided the company’s headquarters and its plant in Changwon, South Gyeongsang, in order to find relevant documents and hard disks to assist in their investigation. The team reportedly searched the offices of executives, including LG President Jo Seong-jin, and the public relations department.

Industry insiders said that it is rare for prosecutors to raid a company’s office in a case that involves damage to home appliances.

In September, Samsung asked the prosecution to investigate LG for deliberately damaging their washing machines, while LG recently countersued its rival for defamation and fabrication of evidence.