Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Requests Arrest Warrants for Two Former Prosecutors Over Alleged CIO Investigation Obstruction... Efforts Underway to Hear 'Lobbying for Rescue' Testimonies

[Financial News] The Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Team, led by Lee Myeong-hyeon, has requested arrest warrants for two former deputy chief prosecutors of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) as part of its probe into alleged obstruction of the investigation. The special prosecutor believes these allegations are closely linked to delays in the CIO's investigation into the Chae Sang-byeong case and suspicions surrounding the escape abroad of former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup, and has entered the final phase of the investigation.
Jeong Min-young, deputy special prosecutor for the Chae Sang-byeong case, stated at a regular briefing on the 13th that, "Through our investigation, we have confirmed that there was external pressure on the CIO investigation team handling the Chae Sang-byeong case and secured related evidence." He added, "We have requested arrest warrants for the suspects who were acting as deputy and chief at the time." The two former officials are accused of delaying the investigation into the Chae Sang-byeong case while serving in the CIO leadership.
The special prosecutor's team considers both the seriousness of the crime and the risk of evidence destruction to be established. They have gathered testimony from multiple CIO officials and obtained message exchanges between investigators through search and seizure, supporting these findings.
Jeong further emphasized, "The suspects' actions constitute obstruction of an impartial investigation into crimes by high-ranking officials, which is a grave offense." He pointed out, "In particular, their conduct undermined the very purpose for which the CIO was established—to independently and fairly investigate crimes by high-ranking officials, free from the influence of those in power."
When the allegations of external pressure first surfaced in August 2023, the CIO recognized the need to investigate former President Yoon Suk Yeol's reported anger and the case involving former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup. However, the CIO did not conduct search and seizures at the Office of the President of South Korea or the Ministry of National Defense. The delay in launching a compulsory investigation led the presidential office to conclude there was no issue in appointing Lee as ambassador to Australia, which, according to the special prosecutor, ultimately resulted in what they view as a 'personnel move facilitating a suspect's escape.'
In fact, the search and seizure at the Office of the President of South Korea only took place in May this year, 1 year and 9 months after the allegations emerged, and the Ministry of National Defense was searched in July. The special prosecutor believes that during this period, there was significant 'evidence contamination,' including coordination of statements among key figures.
The pretrial detention hearings for the two suspects are scheduled to be held at the Seoul Central District Court on the morning of the 17th.
The special prosecutor's team plans to accelerate its investigation into the alleged obstruction of the CIO probe, suspicions of aiding Lee Jong-sup's escape, and lobbying efforts by Protestant circles over the next two weeks until the 28th. With the investigation into external pressure on the verge of completion following the questioning of former President Yoon, indictments of those involved are likely to occur next week.
However, the team believes that additional testimony is needed regarding the 'lobbying for rescue' allegations, which triggered the investigation into external pressure. This allegation involves former marines and Protestant figures allegedly lobbying former President Yoon's camp to help Im Seonggeun, former commander of the 1st Marine Division, who was charged with occupational negligence in connection with the Chae Sang-byeong case.
Meanwhile, no testimony has yet been obtained from Billy Kim, chairman of Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), and Han Ki-boong, former president of Far East Broadcasting Company, who are suspected of involvement in the Protestant lobbying. In Han's case, a witness examination was scheduled at the Seoul Central District Court on the same day, but it is likely to be canceled due to failure to deliver the summons. The special prosecutor intends to reschedule and secure testimony within the remaining period.
scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter