After the "three special counsels (special counsel investigating the insurrection case, Kim Keon-hee special counsel, and fallen Marine special counsel)," the second comprehensive special counsel team led by Kwon Chang-young, which is investigating remaining suspicions, on the 23rd launched a compulsory investigation into the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office over the prosecution's "Deutsch Motors probe cover-up allegations."
According to legal sources, starting this morning the comprehensive special counsel sent investigators to search and seize the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Anti-Corruption Divisions 1 and 2 in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 2 on suspicion of abuse of power.
The special counsel is investigating allegations that in Oct. 2024 the Central District Prosecutors' Office's Anti-Corruption Investigation Division 2 intentionally quashed the probe by deciding not to indict first lady Kim Keon-hee in the Deutsch Motors stock manipulation case. In connection with this, the team recently imposed an overseas travel ban on former Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office chief Lee Chang-su and former fourth deputy chief Cho Sang-won.
Through the search and seizure, the special counsel is expected to examine the direction of the decision at the time, instructions and communications within the command line, and case investigation materials. Since its launch, this is the first time the special counsel has conducted a compulsory investigation into the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.