National Police Agency Chief: "Repeat Offenders of Stalking Crimes Should Be Prioritized for Detention and Arrest"

Nam Gu-jun, Chief of the National Investigation Headquarters, National Police Agency. / Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Nam Gu-jun, head of the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency, announced on the 29th that measures will be taken for faster isolation of perpetrators in relation to the stalking murder case in Jung-gu, Seoul.

At a press conference that morning, Director Nam said, "I regret that we were not able to take more prompt practical isolation measures such as detaining or arresting the suspect through swift investigation."

The suspect in this case, Kim Byung-chan (35, detained), was transferred to the prosecution on eight charges including retaliatory murder and retaliatory threats under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, violation of the Stalking Punishment Act, injury, trespassing, special threats, threats, and special confinement. However, despite the police providing measures such as issuing a smartwatch and imposing restraining orders to protect the victim, the victim ultimately died.

Director Nam stated, "For more practical separation of the perpetrator and victim, detention under Article 4 or arrest is inevitable. To do so, a clear explanation of the substantiality is required, so there will inevitably be an interval." He added, "We have established guidelines to actively consider 'provisional measure Article 4 (detention at police station or detention center)' first if, after comprehensively assessing various reports and criminal records, the possibility of recurrence is judged to be even slightly high."

Regarding the recent controversy over 'inadequate response' in the Incheon inter-floor noise stabbing incident, where the prosecution conducted a search of the home of the police officer who responded to the scene, he explained, "I understand that the reasons specified in the warrant were for reinforcing evidence in the transferred case," and added, "Body cameras are worn at the scene, and this was to check if there is any other evidence related to that."

The number of suspects in the gas leak accident at a construction site in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, which caused 22 casualties last month, has increased to 31. Director Nam said, "We are investigating and prosecuting including three corporations through on-site investigation, questioning of related parties, and seizure and search," and added, "We will proceed with the investigation promptly and hold those responsible accountable." Among 33 lawmakers suspected of real estate speculation, four have been transferred to the prosecution, and investigations are ongoing for another four.

Meanwhile, regarding the apartment 'wall pad' hacking incident, Director Nam said, "We have confirmed about 700 cases of recordings and the Cyber Terror Investigation Unit at the headquarters has directly started a pre-investigation before formal prosecution," and added, "We have also requested deletion on related video sites."