South Korea’s anti-corruption chief orders travel ban on President Yoon
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been booked as at Dec 9 as a suspect in investigations conducted by the police and prosecution.
PHOTO: AFP
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SEOUL - The chief prosecutor of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) ordered a travel ban on South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec 9, hours after the police said they were considering the measure through a “comprehensive assessment” of related factors.
At the National Assembly’s legislation and judiciary committee, CIO Chief Prosecutor Oh Dong-woon stated that he had instructed investigators to impose the travel ban, though it “has not been carried out yet”.
When asked whether Mr Yoon could be subject to a travel ban, a police official stated during a press briefing on Dec 9 that the police are “”comprehensively assessing factors”, including the “likelihood of Yoon leaving the country”.
According to the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), Mr Yoon had been booked as at Dec 9 as a suspect
The police official added that the authorities are also considering the possibility of arresting Mr Yoon without a warrant, adding that it “would be possible if the requirements are met”.
In South Korea, an emergency arrest without a warrant can be made if there is a risk of flight or evidence tampering by the suspect, or if there is a reasonable suspicion of a crime punishable by death, life imprisonment or at least three years in prison.
While travel bans are structurally similar to emergency arrests, their urgency must also be proven.
“There are no limitations on the scope of investigation regarding this incident, whether that involves individuals or resources,” said Mr Woo Jong-soo, chief of the National Office of Investigation at the KNPA.
“We will conduct investigations in a strict manner, according to the law and principles.”
On Dec 8, the KNPA announced that it had launched a team of 150 investigators to handle the case, including 30 officials specialising in criminal intelligence.
“With various controversies surrounding this case, the National Office of Investigation feels a heavy sense of responsibility as the primary investigative body for charges of treason,” Mr Woo added.
“We will mobilise all available resources, focusing on the special investigation team.”
Mr Woo said that between Dec 4 and Dec 6, five indictments related to the declaration of martial law, were filed with the police. Eleven individuals have been named in such reports, including Mr Yoon. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
