[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Ministry of National Defense has requested a detailed investigation into 21 individuals following a full-scale survey to determine whether there were any suspicious real estate transactions using internal military information.
On the 10th, Boo Seung-chan, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, stated at the regular briefing that the full survey of 3,695 subjects, excluding 9 who submitted their consent forms for personal information use late, has been completed. He said, "We have initially identified 21 individuals, and it has been judged that a detailed investigation is necessary regarding the specific purpose of their transactions and any illegality. We plan to notify the Ministry's Special Investigation Unit within this week."
The 21 individuals were confirmed to have conducted apartment transactions during the period targeted by the Ministry of National Defense's investigation. Spokesperson Boo added that there were no land transactions among the survey subjects. Some have criticized the investigation as "half-hearted," pointing out that family members of employees and discharged personnel were excluded from the investigation.
Earlier, in March, when allegations arose that a civilian employee working at the Defense Facilities Headquarters had conducted land transactions based on prior knowledge of internal military information, the Ministry of National Defense conducted a full survey to independently determine whether there were any illegal transactions using internal information.
The investigation covered a total of 60 sites, including 8 government land development districts and 52 military facilities, including unit reorganizations. Based on the date of the project announcement, personal information consent was obtained from active-duty soldiers and civilian employees who had been responsible for the relevant tasks for up to five years prior, and real estate transaction records were checked accordingly.
The Special Investigation Headquarters is expected to review the related materials to verify any illegality and then decide whether to proceed with additional investigations and prosecutions.
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