[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has appointed 18 inaugural investigators. Director Kim Jin-wook urged them to handle cases swiftly while maintaining prudence and harmony in their work.
On the 14th, the CIO held a ceremony at the CIO conference room in the Government Complex Gwacheon, awarding appointment letters to a total of 18 new investigators: five at grade 5, eight at grade 6, and five at grade 7. They will conduct investigations into crimes committed by high-ranking officials under the direction and supervision of CIO prosecutors.
Previously, the CIO announced on the 19th of last month that it had selected 20 investigators, but two candidates who were former prosecutors’ investigators declined the appointment, resulting in 12 fewer hires than the full quota of 30.
On this day, Director Kim quoted the motto of Roman Emperor Augustus, "Festina lente (Make haste slowly)," urging the investigators to process cases quickly but with prudence and harmony.
He specifically said, "I have often mentioned that the path the CIO is taking is one we have never traveled before, and that path must be taken by making haste slowly. Making haste slowly means combining speed with caution, which ultimately means adhering to the law and principles and following due process in handling tasks, clearly reflecting the CIO’s aspirations." He added, "Even if there are trial and errors or failures along the way, if you rise again and move forward, light will surely greet you."
Meanwhile, according to the CIO Act, the number of prosecutors is limited to 25 including the director and deputy director, and the number of investigators is limited to 40 including those dispatched from the prosecution. The CIO is expected to conduct additional recruitment for both prosecutors and investigators.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
