Police said they will speed up investigations into cases related to the 9th nationwide local elections held simultaneously (the June 3 local elections). With the launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency in October and a reorganization of investigative bodies approaching, it appears to reflect concerns that cases of election crimes may not be concluded before the statute of limitations expires on Nov. 29.
Pak Sung-ju, head of the National Office of Investigation (NOI) at the Korean National Police Agency, said at a regular press briefing on the 8th, "To handle election cases with greater responsibility and speed, police have drawn up and are implementing a plan to run a focused investigation period for election cases," adding, "We will investigate all cases swiftly, responsibly, and without setbacks."
The Deputy Minister explained that by Sept. 2, three months before the statute of limitations expires, the headquarters and provincial offices plan to complete the first on-site inspection under their supervision. She added, "For cases that require indictment, considering the time needed for prosecutors to file charges, we will thoroughly manage the cooperative procedures under the investigative rules so they proceed smoothly, scrutinize the cases, and refer them as quickly as possible."
In connection with the shortage of ballot papers that occurred during the June 3 local elections, police are pushing to form a joint investigation team with prosecutors. They said the process is at the working-level consultation stage. Separately, they are checking the facts with the complainants; voters who could not participate due to the ballot paper shortage; election workers; and printing company officials.
The Deputy Minister said, "Once the joint investigation team is formed, we are swiftly proceeding with related procedures according to the investigative roadmap so it can operate without setbacks," adding, "The specific size and operating method will be decided through working-level consultations, and it appears it will take about a day or two."
As of the day, police are currently investigating 2,694 cases and 4,402 people related to election crimes. Of these, 289 have been referred and eight have been arrested, while investigations are ongoing into 3,538 people.