Drug Smuggling Probe Clears Customs Officials, Presidential Office of Direct Interference
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An interim investigation has largely dismissed allegations of external pressure and corruption in a high-profile drug smuggling case, though scrutiny remains regarding potential involvement by the President’s Office and family. The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office, in a joint investigation with police, found that most claims made by Inspector Baek Hae-ryong regarding undue influence were unsubstantiated.
Initial Claims Centered on False Statements
The investigation stemmed from suspicions of customs officials’ involvement in drug smuggling at Incheon Airport. A key element of the initial probe focused on a video released by the joint investigation team, depicting a police investigation from September 2023. The footage reveals a smuggler, speaking in Malay, urging another individual to provide a false statement.
“[Just act. You’re trying to film a video. That’s important right now. Don’t be honest. Say you followed me out here],” the smuggler can be heard saying in the released video.
Investigators determined that police initially acted on this false statement, believing customs officials were complicit. However, subsequent evidence, including letters exchanged between incarcerated smugglers in March of last year, revealed admissions of fabricating claims against customs personnel. These smugglers later asserted they had “never received help from customs officials” during a joint investigation.
Allegations Against Presidential Office Dismissed
The joint investigation team concluded that the President’s Office did not exert external pressure on Inspector General Baek Hae-ryong. Inspector Baek had previously alleged that a senior police official, then Yeongdeungpo Chief Kim Chan-soo, unexpectedly referenced “Yongsan” – widely understood to refer to the Presidential Office – during a conversation.
“[When the police chief said, ‘Yongsan is aware of this incident and is looking at it seriously,’ my mind went blank],” Inspector Baek stated in a July 29th interview.
However, a thorough review of seized data and mobile phone records revealed no communication between officials at the Presidential Office and police command. Similarly, allegations of external pressure from police and Korea Customs Service leadership were also dismissed, with investigators stating the initial investigation was based on a smuggler’s false statement, negating any reason for command-level interference.
Investigation Continues, Inspector Disputes Findings
Despite the largely exonerating findings, the joint investigation team confirmed it is continuing to investigate suspicions of drug smuggling involving the President’s Office and family members of Kim Kun-hee, as well as allegations of tampering with and concealing the prosecution’s investigation.
Inspector Baek Hae-ryong vehemently disputed the interim results. In a phone call with MBC, he claimed the released investigation video was selectively edited, demanding the full, unedited footage be made public. He further asserted that “there is ample circumstantial evidence that Customs was involved in the smuggling of methamphetamine,” and that existing prosecution records support this claim.
To underscore his commitment to pursuing the investigation, Inspector Baek announced the launch of an independent inquiry and released a photo confirming he had applied for search and seizure warrants against six locations, including Incheon International Airport Customs, the Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office, and the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office.
The ongoing investigation highlights the complexities of navigating allegations of corruption and political interference within South Korea’s law enforcement and government structures.
