Military Prosecutors and Investigation Headquarters Conduct Search and Seizure of Air Force Prosecutors for 'Inadequate Investigation'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Ministry of National Defense Prosecution Unit and the Ministry of National Defense Investigation Headquarters conducted a search and seizure of the Air Force prosecution office.

On the 9th, the Ministry of National Defense stated, "From around 8:30 a.m. today, we are conducting a surprise search and seizure of the military prosecution office of the Air Force 20th Fighter Wing, the prosecution department of the Air Force Headquarters, and the Human Rights Narae Center within the Legal Affairs Office of the Air Force Headquarters."

The Air Force prosecution is considered a key factor in the inadequate investigation related to the death of an Air Force non-commissioned officer who was a victim of sexual harassment. The search and seizure aim to verify the facts regarding the inadequate investigation by the 20th Fighter Wing military prosecutor, dereliction of duty by the victim’s court-appointed lawyer, and leakage of the victim’s personal information.

After receiving the case from the Air Force on the 1st, the prosecution unit and investigation headquarters conducted a series of search and seizures starting with the military police unit of the Air Force Headquarters, followed by the military police battalion of the 20th Fighter Wing and the military police battalion of the 15th Special Mission Wing. However, a search and seizure of the Air Force prosecution itself had not been conducted until now.

Given that the Ministry of National Defense is scheduled to report on this case to the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly this morning, it seems difficult to avoid criticism that this delayed search and seizure is merely a 'show.' The Air Force prosecution did not conduct any investigation of the perpetrator for about two months after receiving the case from the military police on April 7 until the victim, Sergeant Lee, passed away.

It was also revealed that although a search warrant for the perpetrator, Chief Warrant Officer Jang’s mobile phone was issued five days after Sergeant Lee was found dead on May 27, it was not immediately executed and was instead obtained by voluntary submission four days later on May 31, sparking further controversy.

A prosecution unit official said, "We have prioritized investigations into forcible molestation and secondary victimization to resolve the deceased’s grievances, and on the 8th, we summoned and investigated related personnel involved in the case, including the victim’s superiors such as warrant officers and sergeants, who are suspected of concealing and coercing the case." He added, "We plan to focus all our capabilities to conduct a swift investigation going forward."

The surprise search and seizure of the Human Rights Narae Center by the prosecution unit and investigation headquarters is known to be aimed at securing work-related materials of A, a short-term legal officer who was the initial court-appointed lawyer for Sergeant Lee.

Earlier, the bereaved family of victim Sergeant Lee filed a complaint with the prosecution unit on the 7th, requesting an investigation into A for failing to fulfill the role of a court-appointed lawyer properly, such as not having a single meeting after being appointed, and for allegedly leaking the deceased’s personal information.

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