Prosecutors Raid Korea Aerospace Research Institute... Controversy Over Technology Leak 'Nuriho'

Search and Seizure from Morning
Swift Investigation Launched Immediately After Ministry of Science and ICT's Complaint

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prosecutors have stepped in to investigate whether there has been any technology leakage by the personnel involved in the development of South Korea's space launch vehicle, 'Nuriho'.

On the 31st (local time), according to the scientific community and prosecutors, a search and seizure operation was conducted at the Daejeon Aerospace Research Institute. The search, which began in the morning, concluded after 4 p.m. An official from the Aerospace Research Institute also confirmed that the search and seizure took place.

This search and seizure arose after the Ministry of Science and ICT requested a prosecutorial investigation into four researchers preparing to move to private space companies following an audit of the Aerospace Research Institute regarding possible technology leakage. These researchers have been accused of violating the Industrial Technology Protection Act and the Act on the Prevention of Unfair Competition and Protection of Trade Secrets. Prosecutors promptly launched an investigation immediately after the Ministry's complaint and are believed to have secured investigative materials on the technology leakage through the search and seizure.

In a notice distributed to reporters the previous day, the Ministry of Science and ICT explained that it had conducted an audit of the Aerospace Research Institute and requested an investigation into the researchers involved. While the Ministry stated that it could not disclose detailed information due to the ongoing nature of the audit, it is reported that key figures involved in the development of Naroho were attempting to transfer to private companies when signs of technology leakage were detected. The Aerospace Research Institute has not issued an official statement, citing the ongoing audit.

The subjects of the audit are suspected of leaking technology by attaching and detaching storage devices such as hard disks from computers at the Daejeon Aerospace Research Institute, but they claim these actions were routine.