Arrest Warrant Requested for Police Team Leader Over 'Evidence Tampering'… "Disciplinary Action Possible for Father of Suspect"

[Anchor]

The police have requested an arrest warrant for a team leader at the Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station, who is suspected of tampering with evidence while communicating multiple times with the father of the suspect, Jang Yun-gi, who is also a police officer. The police have also suggested the possibility of disciplinary action against Jang's father.

Reporter Kim Ayeong has the story.

[Reporter]

The National Office of Investigation's special investigation team has requested an arrest warrant for Police Inspector A, the team leader at the Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station who oversaw the investigation into Jang Yun-gi, the perpetrator of the murder of a high school girl in Gwangju.

The request comes one day after the inspector was emergency arrested on charges of evidence tampering. Following his removal from duty, he has now been suspended from his position.

The investigation team reportedly confirmed that Inspector A destroyed evidence related to sexual offenses, such as cable ties, during the search and seizure of Jang Yun-gi's vehicle, and leaked investigation details to Jang's father, Police Inspector Jang, who is a serving police officer.

It is reported that Inspector A denied most of the allegations during police questioning, stating, "There is no reason or motive for me to destroy evidence."

The police also hinted at the possibility of disciplinary action against the suspect's father, Inspector Jang, regarding his alleged involvement in evidence tampering.

The National Police Agency stated in a press release, "Even if evidence tampering cannot be punished under the Criminal Act due to special provisions for family members, disciplinary action can be taken under other laws."

This statement was made as the case drew criticism because Inspector Jang avoided punishment for destroying his son's sex dolls and mobile phone simply because he is the father.

The police further emphasized that they are taking strict measures, such as immediately requesting investigations into anyone who leaks investigation information, and that they strictly prohibit any inquiries between police officers regarding cases involving their family members.

[Interview: Lee Woong-hyuk / Professor of Police Science, Konkuk University]
"While it is said that 'cronyism' is institutionally blocked, the appearance of protecting internal colleagues is clear, which suggests that the system did not function effectively..."

The police have placed six individuals, including the former Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station chief, the head of the detective division, and members of the investigation team, as well as the suspect's father, Inspector Jang, on leave.

(Video Editing: Choi Hye-ran, Design: Lee So-jeong)

Reported by Kim Ayeong | Video by Choi Hye-ran | Graphics by Lee So-jeong | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.