▲ Special Counsel Lee Tae-han's team inspecting ballot papers
It has been learned that Special Counsel Lee Tae-han's team, which is investigating the shortage of ballot papers in the June 3 local elections, requested the Serious Crime Investigation Agency to dispatch up of 10 investigators, but the agency responded that "only one investigator can be dispatched."
The Serious Crime Investigation Agency sent an official letter to the special counsel team yesterday (November 4) stating that it is difficult to dispatch all requested personnel due to internal circumstances.
Previously, Special Counsel Lee Tae-han visited the Serious Crime Investigation Agency on October 23 and requested the dispatch of about 10 investigative personnel.
Later, the special counsel team specified the names of seven investigators, including investigators, and left the remaining two to the discretion of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency.
In response, the Serious Crime Investigation Agency sent an official letter stating that only one investigator chosen arbitrarily by the agency can be dispatched.
It was confirmed that the special counsel team repeatedly demanded the dispatch of the seven individuals whose names had been specified earlier on this day.
Under the Special Counsel Act on the National Election Commission, the special counsel can request personnel support from agencies such as the Prosecution Service, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency when necessary.
Currently, a total of 18 prosecutors have been dispatched to the special counsel team, falling short of the quota of 20.
Amid the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office and the launch of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency and the Prosecution Service on November 2 last month, the shortage of investigative personnel is severe.
In addition, the special counsel bill on fabricated indictments was submitted to the plenary session of the National Assembly on this day, and considerable investigative personnel are expected to be required for the fabricated indictment special counsel as well.
The National Election Commission special counsel team plans to continue consultations by requesting additional personnel dispatches from the Ministry of Justice and the Prosecution Service, along with the Serious Crime Investigation Agency.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.