An Incheon Customs employee who had faced allegations of helping smuggle drugs in connection with the "alleged external pressure on customs drug investigations" filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), saying personal information was leaked by Inspector Baek Hae-ryong.
According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on the 17th, an Incheon Customs employee, identified as A, filed a petition saying Inspector Baek, seconded to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office joint investigation team, leaked family photos and other personal images last month.
On the 5th of last month, while refuting reports that Malaysian drug couriers had changed their previous statements, Inspector Baek shared with the media photos that A had submitted to police. The photos included A's daughter's face and home address.
In 2023, when serving as chief of the criminal division at Yeongdeungpo Police Station, Inspector Baek investigated allegations that a customs employee aided the Malaysian drug organization's methamphetamine smuggling. However, beyond the statements of the Malaysian couriers, there was no additional evidence, and during the joint investigation team's probe, they recanted, saying in substance, "No customs employee helped." On the 9th, the joint investigation team said, "We determined customs employees did not assist the drug smuggling offenses and issued a decision of no suspicion."
Inspector Baek pushed back, releasing a draft on-site inspection report and other materials. The Eastern District Prosecutors' Office said it "views the leak of investigative materials seriously" and has asked police to take measures including an internal inspection.