The Supreme Public Prosecutors' Office has initiated an investigation into the loss of the official certificate related to Jeon Seong-bae on the 19th at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office. This action follows media reports on the matter and Minister Jeong Seong-ho's directive to conduct an investigation, calling it "a very serious issue," prompting the Supreme Public Prosecutors' Office to respond immediately.
In a notice to reporters that day, the Supreme Public Prosecutors' Office stated that "the investigation department will directly begin to ascertain the facts and clarify the responsibility regarding the 'loss of the official certificate tracking leads and ineffective response issues at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office.'"
The incident regarding the loss of the official certificate at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office was revealed the previous day by KBS. It was reported that during the investigation into Jeon's bribery allegations at the end of last year, more than 100 million won in cash was found at his residence, but the official certificate ribbon and sticker that were with the cash were lost. The ribbon has information such as the date and time the cash was inspected, the responsible personnel code, and the machine identification number. Typically, investigative agencies track the source of funds based on the information written on this ribbon.
However, KBS reported the day before that the investigation team at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office failed to carry out follow-up actions, such as verifying the circumstances, despite belatedly realizing the loss of the ribbon and other items.
On that day, Minister Jeong Seong-ho instructed the Ministry of Justice to take all necessary measures, including investigations to ascertain the facts and clarify responsibilities, stating, "This is a very serious issue." In response, the Supreme Public Prosecutors' Office announced it would form an investigation team led by the Head of Team of the investigation section 3 to send to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office.