The TF disclosed that it executed search warrants at 18 locations, including the Intelligence Command and NIS facilities, beginning at approximately 0900 hours on the 10th. The operation encompassed the suspects’ offices and homes.
Investigators are scrutinizing three civilians, including a graduate student identified as Oh, suspected of flying drones into North Korea. The TF has escalated charges to include general treason under the criminal code, in addition to existing aviation safety law violations.
Of particular interest are Oh, the CEO of a drone manufacturing company named Jang, and a North Korea liaison officer named Kim. They stand accused of illegally launching modified drones into North Korean airspace.
The probe has widened to include three active-duty service members and one NIS employee, now suspects in the aviation safety law breaches. The implicated military personnel are reportedly a major and a captain from the Intelligence Command, along with a captain from a regular unit.
Furthermore, the TF uncovered evidence that an NIS employee, identified as “A” and holding a level 8 position, transferred funds to Oh – the alleged mastermind of the drone incursion – both before and after the flights. “A” was interrogated as a suspect on the 4th of this month.
The NIS has countered these allegations, stating, “A and Oh are former university club associates. Their financial interactions, totaling 5.05 million KRW (approximately 3,788 USD) over 16 instances, were strictly personal loans.” The agency vehemently denies any institutional involvement.
Similarly, the Intelligence Command acknowledged Oh’s status as a “civilian collaborator” but maintained to the National Assembly that his role pertained to an unrelated, separate mission.
As the TF executes simultaneous raids on military and intelligence agencies and formally indicts related individuals, the investigation’s focus is expected to shift towards potential systemic complicity or support from government officials in the drone deployment operation.
A TF spokesperson stated, “We are committed to thoroughly unraveling the full scope of the drone incident through comprehensive analysis of seized materials and rigorous suspect interrogations.”
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