Controversy Over 'Referral After Investigation'... Kim Jin-wook "Will Expedite Establishment of Office Regulations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] Kim Jin-wook, head of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HCIO), expressed his intention to expedite the establishment of rules requiring that high-ranking official cases transferred to the prosecution and police be sent back to the HCIO once investigations are completed.

On the 31st, Kim stated to reporters on his way to the Government Complex Gwacheon, "We have sought opinions from the prosecution and police regarding the draft rules on cases and affairs," adding, "We plan to establish them before investigations begin, without delay."

The current HCIO Act allows the HCIO to prosecute cases involving judges, prosecutors, and police officers of rank superintendent or higher. However, it remains unclear whether the prosecution rights are retained for cases transferred to the prosecution and police. In response, the HCIO is exchanging opinions through a 'tripartite consultative body' involving the prosecution and police.

In fact, the HCIO recently prepared rules on case and affair procedures related to investigative practices and has sought opinions from related agencies such as the prosecution and police. These rules reportedly include provisions that the HCIO holds exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving judges, prosecutors, and police officers of superintendent rank or higher, requiring judicial police such as the police to transfer all such cases to the HCIO after investigation. Additionally, the rules stipulate that if coercive investigations are necessary during police investigations of these cases, warrants must be requested from the HCIO rather than the prosecution. However, regarding anticipated opposition from the prosecution and police, Kim said, "We will consider it."

Meanwhile, concerning the Public Interest Report investigation request made by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission the previous day regarding allegations of illegal travel bans on former Deputy Minister of Justice Kim Hak-ui, Kim stated, "We have not yet received the related documents," adding, "We will organize and send them today, but I do not know how voluminous they will be."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.