The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office decided to maintain the existing joint investigation team and form a separate investigative team if Superintendent Baek Haeryong is dispatched to investigate the 'customs drug investigation interference allegations' following President Lee Jaemyung's directive. Superintendent Baek, who is directly involved in the case, has protested this decision.
On October 14, Baek stated on Facebook, "The joint investigation team is an 'illegal organization' that was formed without proper legal procedures," and claimed, "Both the prosecution and police leaderships who directed the formation of the team are deeply involved in the drug gate scandal."
He went on to say, "Twenty members of the illegal joint investigation team are standing firm, while four people whose investigative will or ability is unknown are being added, and Baek Haeryong's investigative team is being attached to one side. This has become a situation where Baek Haeryong, who does not have the authority to request warrants, is completely tied up."
He further argued, "At the very least, measures must be in place for Baek Haeryong to exercise actual investigative authority and conduct a proper investigation," adding that he needs the authority to select investigators and a minimum of 25 personnel.
Previously, the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Lim Eunjeong, announced that if Baek Haeryong is dispatched, a separate team will be formed and the existing investigative team will remain as is, citing concerns that Baek investigating cases he himself reported could raise issues of fairness.
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