Police Crack Down on 1,681 Election Offenders... Sharp Rise in False Information Dissemination

Operation of 'Intensive Investigation Period' for 4 Months
669 People Spread False Information, 40% Increase

The National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters announced on the 11th that it has cracked down on a total of 1,681 election-related offenders in the 22nd National Assembly elections. Among them, 46 were referred to prosecution, 167 were not prosecuted, and 1,468 are still under investigation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

By type of crime, there were 669 cases (39.8%) of spreading false information, 227 cases (13.5%) of damaging banners and posters, and 172 cases (10.2%) of bribery. By investigation lead, there were 1,031 cases (61.3%) from complaints and accusations, 277 cases (16.5%) from reports, and 129 cases (7.7%) from petitions. The National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency has been operating an ‘Election Crime Investigation Situation Room’ at 278 stations nationwide since February 7 of this year.

The number of suspects under investigation increased by 331 (24.5%) compared to the 21st National Assembly elections four years ago. This increase is due to the amendment of the Prosecutors' Office Act and other laws, which expanded the police’s role in cracking down on major election crimes that were previously investigated directly by the prosecution. Except for election violence, the ‘five major election crimes’ generally increased. Among them, spreading false information surged by 111% compared to the last general election.

Investigation Status by Type for the 22nd National Assembly Election.
[Photo by National Police Agency]

The police plan to strictly investigate election offenders and ensure they receive appropriate punishment regardless of whether they are elected. In particular, considering that the statute of limitations for election crimes is short at six months, a ‘focused investigation period’ will be operated for four months. Until three months before the expiration of the statute of limitations, the police will exchange opinions with the prosecution to conduct investigations swiftly and thoroughly.

A police official stated, “We will do our best to establish a clean and fair election culture by continuously collecting intelligence and cracking down on acts of providing money or goods under the pretexts of congratulations, consolation, or return gifts after election day.”

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