The joint investigation headquarters of prosecutors and police (the task force) for uncovering the facts behind the June 3 local election "ballot paper shortage incident" finished searches and seizures of the National Election Commission and other sites on the 11th in about 13 hours.

In a notice to the media that day, the task force said, "The joint task force of prosecutors and police to uncover the truth behind the infringement of citizens' suffrage has completed all searches and seizures except for the seizure of electronic information stored on the National Election Commission server," and added, "We will promptly proceed with necessary investigations, including analysis of seized materials and questioning of those involved, to strictly determine the truth of the incident."

Members of the joint police-prosecution investigation team look into the ballot shortage in the June 3 nationwide local elections as they leave the National Election Commission in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, on the 11th carrying seized items after completing a raid. /Courtesy of Yonhap News

That day, the task force carried out searches and seizures at seven locations, including the Gwacheon National Election Commission, the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission, and the district commissions in Songpa, Seocho, Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Dongjak, where the ballot paper shortage occurred, on suspicions including violations of the Public Official Election Act, dereliction of duty, and embezzlement and breach of trust in the course of business. The operation involved three prosecutors, about 10 prosecution investigators, and about 100 police officers.

The warrant named more than 10 suspects, including former National Election Commission Chairperson Roh Tae-ak, former Secretary-General Hur Chul-hoon, and the chairpersons and secretaries-general of each local election commission.

The task force is said to have secured the ballot printing plan, minutes, budget documents, and files related to the local elections from the office of the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission in Jongno District. It reportedly also obtained the poll book from the Gangnam commission, which recorded the ballot storage location, quantities, and remaining counts on election day.

The task force also conducted forensic analysis on files related to the June 3 local elections found on the computers of senior officials, including the Secretary-General of each local commission, and working-level staff.

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