Disciplinary Action Against Police Officer Over Negligent Investigation in 'Mapo Officetel Confinement Murder' Victim's Complaint

Suspects Ahn Mo and Kim Mo, accused of confining a friend and causing death through cruel treatment in an officetel in Mapo-gu, are being transferred from the Seoul Mapo Police Station to the prosecution. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] It has been confirmed that frontline police officers were disciplined in connection with the controversy over the police's inadequate handling of the victim's assault charge complaint against the perpetrator prior to the occurrence of the "Mapo Officetel Confinement Murder Case" in Seoul, which sparked public outrage in June this year.

According to the police on the 28th, the National Police Agency held a disciplinary committee meeting the day before and decided to impose a severe disciplinary action of a two-month suspension on the investigation officer in charge at the Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul. The investigation review officer received a reprimand, and the chief received a warning without record, which are light disciplinary measures.

On March 31, An Mo (21) and Kim Mo (32) took the victim, Mr. A, to an officetel in Mapo-gu, confined him, and subjected him to assault and cruel treatment, ultimately causing Mr. A's death. The police responded to a report on June 13 and discovered Mr. A dead in a naked state in the officetel, and they immediately arrested the suspects. They are currently detained and undergoing trial.

In particular, it is known that after Mr. A filed a complaint against them for assault in November last year, they harbored resentment and confined him with the intent of retaliation and extortion, repeatedly assaulting him and restricting his food until June.

There were also criticisms that the police's inadequate investigation failed to prevent the murder. The Yeongdeungpo Police Station, which handled the assault case, contacted Mr. A to appear for a confrontation investigation only on April 17, five months after the complaint was filed, and closed the complaint due to insufficient evidence 17 days before Mr. A's death, drawing criticism for delayed and inadequate investigation throughout.

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