The special investigation team led by Lee Tae-han, tasked with probing the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections, has stationed forensic investigators at the National Election Commission to verify election statistics manipulation and the operational status of the election management system.
The team announced on October 2 that "to thoroughly uncover the truth, we have been deploying forensic investigators from the special investigation team to the National Election Commission since September 22 to directly verify the existence of materials related to election statistics manipulation, management and security of the election management system, and whether any materials have been manipulated, concealed, or destroyed. We are also receiving necessary materials from them." They added, "This is a measure based on the Special Prosecutor Act and the Criminal Procedure Act, and it is proceeding smoothly, with expectations that it will take several weeks to complete."
Additionally, the special investigation team stated, "Following the search and seizure operations conducted on September 17 at the National Election Commission and nine other local election offices, we have completed the initial analysis of the seized items and are currently conducting investigations based on that analysis." They emphasized that they are consulting with top forensic experts to enhance the objectivity and reliability of the forensic verification and will provide explanations within the scope of what can be disclosed as the forensic process progresses.
The special investigation team, which officially launched on September 7, has intensified its compulsory investigation by conducting searches at a total of ten locations, including the National Election Commission and nine local election offices. They are also accelerating investigations into related individuals, including extending the existing travel ban on Noh Tae-ak, the former chairman of the National Election Commission and a former Supreme Court Justice, who has been identified as a key suspect.
Noh served as both a Supreme Court Justice and the chairman of the National Election Commission from 2022 until the recent local elections. He is currently under investigation for violations of the Public Official Election Act and dereliction of duty related to the ballot shortage incident.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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