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The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) has submitted an opinion to the National Assembly suggesting that investigators of Grade 4 or higher and police officers of senior superintendent or higher from the upcoming Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, set to be launched in October, should be included within the CIO's investigative jurisdiction.
During a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Gwacheon today, a CIO official stated, "Last week, we submitted our opinions regarding the amendment of the CIO Act to the National Assembly."
The proposal submitted by the CIO includes provisions to add investigators of Grade 4 or higher from the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and police officers of senior superintendent or higher to the category of "high-ranking officials of investigative and judicial agencies" subject to investigation.
Investigators from the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency are currently not included in the investigation targets under the current CIO Act.
As for police officers, only those of superintendent general or higher are currently subject to investigation, which excludes senior superintendents who serve at the level of frontline police station chiefs.
The CIO maintains that external checks are necessary because if job-related irregularities occur among members of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the police—which fall under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety—they would practically have to rely on self-investigations by their respective agencies.
The CIO official explained, "Integrating more than 2,800 personnel into investigative agencies is not simply a matter of establishing a new investigative agency, but a major transformation of the criminal justice system. The position of the CIO, which investigates high-ranking officials in charge of investigation and prosecution, must also be reorganized accordingly."
The official added, "This is not simply about requesting an increase in personnel and authority, but about enabling the CIO to perform its proper role."
The CIO also proposed to the National Assembly that heads of basic local governments—cities, counties, and districts—be included among the political-appointed officials subject to investigation, and that crimes subject to investigation, such as violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, be expanded.
Additionally, they submitted opinions on the abolition of the fixed-term appointment system for CIO prosecutors and investigators, the expansion of workforce and budget, and the establishment of regional local offices.
The CIO official noted, "This is a comprehensive amendment proposal encompassing 40 to 50 provisions related to investigative procedures and the abolition of the fixed-term system," adding, "Specific details will be determined through discussions and debates in the National Assembly."
Regarding the timing of the decision on the entertainment-for-favor allegations involving Chief Judge Ji Gwi-yeon of the Seoul Northern District Court, the CIO stated, "The investigation appears to be nearing its final stages," but added, "When the results will be announced is a separate matter, so it is difficult to say prematurely."
(Photo provided by the CIO, Yonhap News)
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