No Official Invitation from Host Countries... Election Commission Staff Mobilized for Spouse's Sightseeing

[Anchor]

The joint prosecution-police investigation headquarters is accelerating its probe into the overseas business trips taken by former National Election Commission (NEC) Chairperson Roh Tae-ak and his spouse. Investigators have uncovered circumstances indicating that four NEC staff members were mobilized to assist with the unofficial itinerary of the former chairperson's spouse, even though the host countries never invited her.

Here is a report by reporter Kim Deok-hyeon.

[Reporter]

The joint investigation headquarters recently uncovered circumstances suggesting that the spouse, who accompanied former NEC Chairperson Roh Tae-ak on three overseas trips, cannot be considered to have performed official duties.

Authorities found that four NEC staff members escorted the former chairperson's spouse on local sightseeing tours during the overseas trips.

Previously, the joint team conducted investigations into these individuals and reportedly secured statements confirming that they indeed performed unofficial schedules.

According to NEC travel records, the former chairperson's spouse did not attend official NEC work-related schedules, such as those concerning electoral systems.

Regarding an exclusive report by SBS in June indicating that there was no official invitation from the host countries for the spouse prior to the couple's overseas trips, the joint investigation team officially confirmed this through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The joint team ultimately concluded that all overseas trips taken by Roh and his spouse were self-planned by the NEC, and all related budgets were covered by the commission itself.

Investigators are also looking into whether Roh was briefed on and aware of the travel plans in advance, and whether he was involved in the process of mobilizing NEC staff for unofficial activities.

To verify these matters, the joint team summoned two officials from the National Election Commission, including one staff member who accompanied Roh on his overseas trip, as reference witnesses for questioning today (August 12).

Meanwhile, the joint investigation headquarters summoned the head of the Gangnam-gu Election Commission secretariat as a suspect today in connection with the ballot paper shortage incident, and is continuing to question related individuals regarding allegations of voter turnout manipulation.

[Video Editing: Lee So-young, Design: Cho Su-in]
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.