[Anchor]
The joint prosecution-police investigation headquarters is picking up speed in its probe into the overseas trips taken by former National Election Commission (NEC) Chairperson Noh Tae-ac and his spouse. Investigators have found circumstances indicating that four NEC staff members were mobilized to assist with the unofficial itinerary of Noh's spouse, despite the host countries never having extended an invitation to her.
Reporter Kim Deok-hyeon has the details.
[Reporter]
The joint investigation headquarters recently uncovered circumstances suggesting that the spouse of former NEC Chairperson Noh Tae-ac, who accompanied him on three overseas trips, was not performing official duties.
Investigators confirmed that four NEC employees escorted Noh's spouse on local sightseeing tours during the overseas trips.
The joint team previously questioned these individuals, and they are reportedly known to have given statements confirming that they indeed assisted with unofficial schedules.
NEC trip records show that Noh's spouse did not attend schedules related to official NEC duties, such as electoral systems.
Regarding an exclusive SBS report from last June stating that host countries had not officially invited the spouse prior to the couple's overseas trips, the joint investigation team officially verified this through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ultimately, the joint headquarters determined that all of the overseas trips taken by Noh and his spouse were self-planned itineraries devised by the NEC, and that all related budgets were covered by the commission.
The joint team is also looking into whether Noh was briefed on and aware of the travel plans in advance, and whether he intervened in the process of mobilizing NEC staff for unofficial schedules.
To verify these matters, the joint headquarters summoned two NEC officials today (August 12) for questioning as reference witnesses, including one staff member who accompanied Noh on his overseas trip.
Meanwhile, the joint investigation team summoned the head of the Gangnam District Election Commission's secretariat as a suspect today in connection with the ballot paper shortage incident, and is continuing to question related individuals over allegations of voter turnout manipulation.
(Video Editing: Lee So-young, Design: Cho Su-in)
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