NPA: "Telegram Cheongdam Boss Choi Admits to Being Accomplice of Park Wangyeol"

Initially Denied Connection, Later Admitted When Presented With Evidence
Police Launch Undercover Investigation Task Force to "Eradicate Narcotics Crimes"

The police announced that they have secured evidence to substantiate the charges against Choi (51), known as "Telegram Cheongdam Boss," who is suspected of supplying drugs to Park Wangyeol (47), also known as "Telegram Global" Park. Initially, Choi had denied any connection or co-conspiracy with Park, but it has been reported that he admitted to the charges after the police presented the evidence.

At a regular press briefing held at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of May 11, Seongju Park, Chief of the National Investigation Headquarters, stated, "We have secured evidence proving the connection between Park and Choi, and Choi himself has admitted to the charges after being confronted with the evidence. Additionally, we will continue our investigation into overseas merchant vessels."

At the global coordination operation meeting held in February this year, Seongju Park, Chief of the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency, is stepping onto the podium to give a greeting. Photo by Yonhap News

At the end of March this year, the police extradited Park, who had been incarcerated in a Philippine prison. On the 1st of this month, they repatriated Choi, the supplier who had been hiding in Thailand. Choi is under investigation for allegedly supplying drugs to Park or being involved in smuggling drugs into the country. The police apprehended Choi just three weeks after launching an investigation into him.

The results of the investigation into Choi will be presented in a separate briefing at the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency around 2 p.m. today.

Chief Park stated, "Since last year, the police have been conducting intensive crackdowns targeting major drug distribution channels and the flow of illicit funds, with a focus on online and medical-use drugs. In the first quarter of this year, the number of arrests increased by 26% compared to the same period last year, and the number of online drug-related offenders arrested rose by 48% during the same timeframe."

He continued, "The introduction of undercover investigations, which the police have been pursuing, has also been fully launched. We have formed a task force for undercover narcotics crime investigations and will promptly proceed with follow-up measures such as revising relevant laws and preparing operational manuals."

The Narcotics and Organized Crime Investigation Division of the National Police Agency began forming the undercover narcotics crime investigation task force earlier this month. The task force will be responsible, until the first half of next year, for revising enforcement decrees in line with the amended Narcotics Control Act, developing related manuals, and preparing training and guidelines for investigators. The revised law allows for possession, sale, advertising, acquisition, transport, and import of narcotics using undercover identities, and permits undercover investigations for up to three years, in three-month increments, with court approval. Investigators are now also allowed to create, modify, and use documents or electronic records to conceal their identities.

Chief Park emphasized, "When I assumed office, I promised to eradicate narcotics crimes. Going forward, we will respond strictly and resolutely to ensure that drug-related offenses do not take root in our society."

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