The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office has decided to grant Detective Superintendent Baek Haeryong, who was dispatched to the government joint investigation team on suspicions of external pressure on customs drug investigations, the authority to make final decisions as the team leader.
Detective Superintendent Baek Haeryong, who was assigned to the joint investigation team regarding the prosecution's suspicion of external pressure on customs drug investigations, is answering reporters' questions as he arrives at the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office for his first day on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 17th, the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office announced that it would organize and operate the "Baek Haeryong Team," consisting of five members including Detective Superintendent Baek, in a structure similar to a small police station.
Detective Superintendent Baek will be responsible for investigations, warrant applications, and case transfers related to customs drug allegations, except for cases involving external pressure in which he may be the complainant or the victim. Within the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, he will have approval authority and exercise team leader powers, allowing him to carry out police work in a manner similar to a judicial police officer.
Detective Superintendent Baek's office has been set up on the 10th floor of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office building. It is reported that his office computer is connected to the police network, enabling him to begin investigations at any time.
On his first day at work the previous day, Detective Superintendent Baek criticized the joint investigation team led by the prosecution, calling it an "illegal organization." In response, the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office stated, "In order to ensure the utmost objectivity and fairness in the investigation, we have assigned more investigators from external agencies, including the Yeongdeungpo Police Station team that previously investigated allegations related to Detective Superintendent Baek and customs drug smuggling, than from the prosecution itself. We are strictly adhering to due process throughout all investigative procedures to prevent any legal disputes regarding the legitimacy of the investigation."
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