SPO Discusses Transfer of Cases in Which Prosecutors Initiated Direct Investigations with Police and Serious Crime Investigation Agency

[Financial News] Three days before the launch of the Public Prosecution Office, prosecutors began working-level consultations with relevant institutions, including the police and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, to transfer cases in which they had initiated direct investigations.
The Supreme Prosecutors' Office of the Republic of Korea (SPO) said on the 29th that it had held a meeting with relevant institutions, including the Korean National Police Agency, the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), and the launch preparation team for the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, regarding the transfer of cases in which prosecutors initiated direct investigations.
The meeting focused on which institutions would receive the cases in which the former Prosecutors' Office had initiated direct investigations after the Public Prosecution Office launches, as well as the scale of the transfers. The participants also discussed practical matters, including specific transfer procedures and ways to handle electronic evidence.
In particular, the institutions shared information on the cases subject to transfer to prevent any gaps in investigations or case processing. They also reviewed ways to coordinate and cooperate so that the receiving institutions could smoothly continue the investigations.
However, not all cases currently under direct investigation by prosecutors will be transferred immediately. Under transitional measures, the former Prosecutors' Office may continue investigating cases it was handling for up to 90 days after the Public Prosecution Office launches.
SPO's policy is for the existing investigation teams to complete cases that can be handled within this period. Cases requiring additional investigation and transfer to other institutions will be transferred in stages following consultations with the relevant institutions.
SPO said, "During the 90-day transitional period after the launch of the Public Prosecution Office, we will faithfully conclude cases that can be handled within that period while ensuring that cases requiring transfer are transferred without disruption after sufficient prior consultation with the relevant institutions."
 
[email protected] Choi Eun-sol Reporter