The second comprehensive special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, is preparing to indict around 40 additional individuals as the investigation nears its conclusion. This week, the team will begin selecting those to be charged, including key figures such as former National Intelligence Service Deputy Director Hong Jang-won and former Commander of the Capital Defense Command Jo Sung-hyun.
According to legal sources on August 10, the special investigation team is considering indicting approximately 40 individuals ahead of the investigation's conclusion on the 23rd. Given that the team has already indicted 11 individuals since its establishment on February 25, the total number of indictments is expected to reach around 50.
During a regular briefing at the special investigation office in Gwacheon, Special Prosecutor Kim Ji-mi stated, "This week will primarily focus on selecting those to be indicted." The team is employing a strategy known as 'heavy tail,' concentrating on case resolutions in the latter stages of the investigation.
A significant number of indictments are anticipated in connection with allegations of involvement in insurrection by the National Intelligence Service and military personnel. The special investigation team plans to select individuals for indictment from the 11 already charged with insurrection-related offenses this week.
The decisions regarding Hong and Jo are particularly noteworthy. Both have been investigated as key witnesses in the insurrection special investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Jo Eun-seok, but the comprehensive special investigation is examining whether their actions during the execution of the insurrection were illegal. Hong is currently under investigation by the comprehensive special investigation team.
If they are indicted, it could impact the maintenance of charges in existing insurrection cases. If key witnesses used to substantiate allegations against figures like former President Yoon Suk Yeol are later deemed suspects by a subsequent special investigation, the defense may challenge the credibility of previous testimonies.
According to reports from Aju Economy, the special investigation team is also reviewing allegations that the military command operated without using command and control equipment during the emergency martial law on December 3, following orders from higher-ups.
Military prosecutor Kim Min-seok contacted a whistleblower on July 27 to confirm the intent of the report, applicable charges, and the basis for operating command and control equipment. The whistleblower indicated that the military did not use the equipment as per higher orders and provided supporting military documents and evidence.
However, as of today, there have been no requests from the special investigation team for additional appearances or document submissions. With the investigation nearing its end, there is speculation that the team may refer cases to other investigative agencies rather than expanding its own inquiry.
In the investigation into the alleged pressure surrounding the death of Sergeant Chae Sang-byeong, the special investigation team has moved to secure suspects at the last minute. On August 7, they requested pre-arrest warrants for former Director of the Defense Security Command Hwang Yu-seong and former Chief of the Marine Corps Intelligence Unit Moon Yeon-cheol for their involvement in concealing the so-called 'presidential anger' incident. Hwang faces charges of abuse of authority, while Moon is charged with abuse of authority and coercion of interviews. The warrant hearings for these individuals are scheduled for August 12 at the Seoul Central District Court.
The special investigation team expects to indict around six suspects from Kim Ji-mi's team. In connection with allegations of covering up the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case, former Seoul Central District Prosecutor Seo Min-seok has recently been investigated as a suspect, and related individuals are expected to be indicted this week.
The status of former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong, who is under suspicion for changing the route of the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway, remains uncertain. The special investigation team is considering additional investigations, indictments, or referrals to other investigative agencies.
To prepare for the large-scale indictments, the special investigation team is also securing personnel for maintaining charges. They have begun recruiting special prosecutors to handle charge maintenance, targeting lawyers with over five years of legal experience. Under the revised comprehensive special investigation law, up to 10 charge maintenance attorneys can be designated.
The special investigation team is set to conclude its 180-day investigation on the 23rd and will announce the final results on the 24th.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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