Police Special Investigation Team Probing Martial Law Documents to Be Effectively Disbanded as Case Is Transferred to Special Counsel

The National Police Agency's special investigation team, which has been investigating the 12·3 Martial Law Incident and related cases involving former President Yoon Sukyeol, will transfer all case materials to the special counsel team led by Cho Eunseok on June 26, effectively leading to the dissolution of the team.

At a regular press briefing on the 23rd, a National Police Agency official stated, "On the 19th, we received an official document from the special counsel regarding the insurrection case, and we have decided to hand over all case records and evidence to the special counsel by the 26th." The official added, "Accordingly, 31 investigators will also be dispatched to the special counsel's office."

Until now, the special investigation team has been investigating allegations including instructions to delete secure phones by high-ranking officials such as former President Yoon Sukyeol, obstruction of the lifting of martial law, and whether senior officials of the Presidential Security Service were involved in the case.

In particular, the special investigation team booked former President Yoon on charges of instructing the Security Service to prevent his arrest (obstruction of official duties by special means) and has been investigating this matter. However, former President Yoon did not comply with the police's third summons for questioning, which was issued on the 19th.

Regarding questions about whether there are any plans for compulsory investigation against former President Yoon, the National Police Agency official explained, "With the dissolution of the special investigation team, decisions regarding compulsory investigation and related matters will now be made by the special counsel."

Regarding the deletion of secure phones, multiple individuals have been booked, and these cases will also be transferred to the special counsel. The National Police Agency official said, "We have been coordinating compulsory investigations involving both persons and property with the prosecution and the special counsel, respectively." The official added, "Some search and seizure warrants have been dismissed, but it is difficult to disclose specific details."

Following the special investigation team's work, a total of six suspects have been referred so far, and the police explained that the remaining 85 individuals will also be fully transferred to the special counsel. However, there are currently no plans for a separate announcement of investigation results or a dissolution briefing.