The joint investigation team of prosecutors and police, which is investigating mismanagement and corruption within the National Election Commission (NEC), has launched a compulsory investigation into allegations that former NEC Chairperson Roh Tae-ak took overseas trips for leisure purposes.

The joint investigation team (led by Kim Tae-hoon, Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office) announced today (July 20) that it is currently conducting a search and seizure operation at the office of the NEC Chairperson and other locations.

The search and seizure warrant includes charges of occupational embezzlement related to the allegations of "leisurely overseas trips."

Former Chairperson Roh and unnamed NEC employees were identified as suspects in the warrant.

However, it has been confirmed that the residence of the former chairperson was excluded from today's search and seizure.

During his tenure as NEC Chairperson, Roh took three overseas trips accompanied by his spouse.