Police Expand Financial Institution Hacking Investigation Team to 43 Members

Police are accelerating their investigation into the recent hacking incidents targeting financial institutions by bolstering the dedicated team with specialists in digital forensics and international cooperation.

The National Investigation Headquarters of the Korean National Police Agency announced in a press briefing today (October 9) that it has expanded the existing 28-member investigation team to 43 members by reinforcing it with digital forensics experts and other specialized personnel.

"We are conducting a thorough investigation by securing relevant data and analyzing compromised systems," the police agency explained, adding, "We are also conducting joint international investigations in parallel, such as blocking the attacking servers."

They emphasized, "We will investigate with a strong sense of responsibility. Even if the case is later transferred to the Major Crime Investigation Office, we will meticulously track down the suspects to ensure there are no investigative gaps prior to the transfer."

The police agency directly disclosed the investigation status because attention has focused on whether the case will be transferred to the Major Crime Investigation Office, which was launched on the 2nd in connection with this incident.

Under the Major Crime Investigation Office Act and related regulations, even if investigative agencies such as the police first become aware of a case, they must immediately notify the Major Crime Investigation Office if it is judged to be a major crime.

Furthermore, the head of the Major Crime Investigation Office can demand the transfer of the case regardless of whether a prior investigation has been conducted or its progress.

The police agency stated, "If it is a 'major crime' under the Major Crime Investigation Office Act among cybercrimes, the Major Crime Investigation Office also has investigative jurisdiction," adding that if the case is transferred, the Major Crime Investigation Office will proceed with the investigation.

They also added, "Based on the transfer, the police will investigate until then and the Major Crime Investigation Office afterwards, so confusion over investigative bodies and jurisdictions, 'case ping-pong,' and investigative delays or gaps will not occur."

The police agency also strongly refuted criticisms from some quarters that the initial response was delayed.

The police agency stated, "We immediately initiated a pre-booking investigation (internal probe) on the 1st, when the first media reports regarding the financial institution hacking emerged," and added, "We swiftly secured necessary data such as log records and established an organic cooperative system with organizations including the Financial Security Institute."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.