Special Investigation Unit and Fire Agency Conduct Search and Seizure... Allegations of Document Manipulation in 'Activation of Rescue Control Team'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] The National Police Agency's Special Investigation Headquarters (Special Investigation HQ) conducted a search and seizure of the Fire Agency on the 25th after detecting signs that official documents related to the operation of the Central Emergency Rescue Control Team by the fire authorities during the Itaewon disaster were falsified.

At around 3:40 PM on the same day, the Special Investigation HQ dispatched 22 investigators to six locations, including the Fire Agency's 119 Comprehensive Situation Room within the Government Sejong Complex, to secure work records related to the Itaewon disaster and mobile phones of involved personnel. The Central Emergency Rescue Control Team is a temporary organization formed by the Fire Agency for emergency rescue during disaster situations.

The Special Investigation HQ is reportedly investigating fire authority officials on suspicion of creating false official documents during the formation and operation of the Central Emergency Rescue Control Team at the time of the disaster. In this regard, one employee belonging to the Fire Agency has been booked as a suspect on charges of creating and using false official documents.

This is the first time the Special Investigation HQ has conducted a search and seizure at the Fire Agency. Regarding suspicions of delayed response by the fire authorities, the Special Investigation HQ previously conducted search and seizures at the Seoul Fire Disaster Headquarters and Yongsan Fire Station on the 2nd and 8th of this month, respectively.