If an Electronic Ankle Bracelet is Cut and the Wearer Flees, Information Will Be Disclosed Without Exception... Ministry of Justice Revises Directive

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is visiting the Central Location Tracking Control Center in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, listening to an explanation about the electronic anklet displayed in the promotional experience center. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] From now on, if a person wearing an electronic monitoring device (electronic anklet) cuts off the device and escapes, their personal information will be disclosed regardless of the severity of the crime.

According to the legal community on the 16th, the Ministry of Justice has implemented the directive titled "Rules for Disclosing Cases of Missing Monitored Persons" containing this content since the 12th.

Until now, even if the electronic anklet was damaged and the wearer escaped, only those monitored persons with a history of serious crimes such as sexual violence, murder, robbery, or kidnapping of minors had their personal information and charges disclosed. With the recent revision of the directive, these category-based disclosure requirements have been removed. Personal information and charges of all monitored persons who damage the electronic anklet and escape will be disclosed regardless of their criminal record.

The Ministry of Justice explained, "Cases of electronic anklet damage show characteristics of a very high risk of reoffending, disappearance, and violent crime after escape, regardless of criminal history," and added, "This aims to supplement the scope of monitored persons whose cases can be disclosed to prevent reoffending through prompt apprehension."