Two active police officers have been indicted for allegedly leaking confidential case information and selling it to private investigators. The charges include dereliction of duty and leaking official secrets. The Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Kim Hee-young, announced the indictments against Officer A (47) from the Hwaseong Dongtan Police Station and Sergeant B (41) from a police station under the Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency. Three private investigators involved in the transactions were also indicted on charges including bribery and violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Crimes.
Details of the Alleged Leaks Emerge
The investigation revealed that Officer A allegedly accessed and leaked information about individuals involved in cases through the Homicide Investigation Information System (KICS) in June of the previous year, following a request from a private investigator, identified as C. This information was reportedly sold for over 1 million won. The leaked details were then passed on from C to another investigator, D, and eventually to the individuals whose information was compromised.
Investigator D allegedly received 15 million won from the subject of the leak. Initially, the police considered Officer A’s actions as a simple case of leaking secrets without significant consequences. However, a subsequent investigation, including reviewing account records and further inquiries, led prosecutors to uncover the existence of private investigators C and D. The extent of the financial transactions and the channels through which the information was leaked were confirmed during this supplementary investigation.
Second Officer Implicated in Separate Case
The investigation extended further as prosecutors traced the communications and transaction records of the private investigators. This process uncovered the alleged criminal activities of a second active police official, Sergeant B. It is reported that Sergeant B operated a private investigation office under a pseudonym and is accused of providing information about individuals involved in fraud cases to investigator D for 700,000 won.
Under the pretext of a request from investigator E, Sergeant B allegedly conducted unauthorized searches of personal information on numerous occasions. Reports suggest that he even created and sold ‘price lists’ of this information. Notably, Officer A and Sergeant B are reportedly not acquainted with each other, and their alleged offenses are being treated as separate incidents.
Broader Implications and Future Actions
The indictments highlight a serious breach of trust and a potential threat to the integrity of ongoing investigations. The involvement of active police officers in leaking sensitive data raises concerns about the security of police information systems and the methods used to protect confidential details.
Authorities have stated their commitment to a thorough investigation and strict enforcement against corruption and the leakage of investigative information. A spokesperson for the prosecution stated, “We will continue to conduct thorough investigations and strictly control evidence to respond sternly to corruption and the leakage of investigation information.”
Both Officer A and Sergeant B have reportedly been suspended from their duties pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. The case underscores the importance of robust internal oversight within law enforcement agencies to prevent such abuses of power and maintain public confidence.
The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors working to determine the full scope of the network involved in the illicit trade of sensitive information. The focus remains on ensuring accountability and reinforcing the safeguards designed to protect the confidentiality of police investigations.
