The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) stated on the 9th regarding the “December 3 Martial Law Incident” that “the prosecution and police should consider the controversy over impartiality and transfer the case to the CIO.”
Deputy Director Lee Jae-seung of the CIO held a press briefing that morning and said, “The CIO exercised the right to request transfer yesterday, considering the controversy over impartiality due to the prosecution and police’s relations with the subjects of investigation, and the fact that the investigation is still in its early stages.” He added, “We will conduct a strict investigation of this national incident, regardless of rank or status.”
Deputy Director Lee also mentioned, “We have filed multiple warrants with the court for forced investigation of related parties, but the court dismissed them, stating, ‘Warrants with similar content are being redundantly filed, so please adjust the charges between the prosecution, police, and CIO before filing.’”
He further stated, “The investigation began on the 3rd, and we are virtually operating the entire CIO personnel for the investigation,” emphasizing that “as an independent investigative agency that does not receive directives from anyone, we will thoroughly uncover the truth in accordance with the law and principles.”
He also revealed that virtually all personnel, including 15 prosecutors and 36 investigators from the CIO, including the Director and Deputy Director, are being deployed for the investigation.