Seoul: The special counsel team investigating corruption allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee announced Thursday its efforts to secure an Interpol Red Notice for her close aide, who is currently evading authorities amid suspicions of exploiting his connections to her to receive investments from private companies.

According to Yonhap News Agency, special counsel Min Joong-ki's team has initiated the process to place Kim Ye-seong, known as the former first lady's "butler," on the international wanted list through the National Police Agency. Assistant special counsel Moon Hong-joo, during a media briefing, stated that efforts are also underway to invalidate Kim Ye-seong's passport via the foreign ministry.

"We urge Kim, who appears to have fled to a third country from Vietnam, to immediately return home and cooperate with the investigation," Moon appealed. In addition, Moon called for Kim's wife to voluntarily come forward, as she reportedly remains within the country.

A local court issued a warrant on Wednesday to detain Kim Ye-seong over allegations of receiving 18.4 billion won (US$13.2 million) in suspicious investments from various companies, including Kakao Mobility, for his rental car company IMS. He is further accused of generating significant profits by selling his 4.6 billion-won stake through a shell company.

The special counsel team suspects that these companies were motivated to invest due to Kim's close relationship with the former first lady. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the funds were channeled to the former first lady as part of slush fund activities.