Police Raid Board of Audit and Inspection... Investigating Military Secrets Leak in 'West Sea Shooting' Case

The police have launched a compulsory investigation into allegations of military secrets being leaked during the Board of Audit and Inspection's announcement process regarding the 'West Sea shooting' case.

The Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on February 3 at 11 a.m. that it was conducting a search and seizure at the Board of Audit and Inspection in connection with a complaint filed against former Chairman Choi Jaehae, Audit Commissioner Yoo Byungho, and others. They are suspected of leaking second-class military secrets during the distribution of a press release related to the shooting of a public official in the West Sea in December 2023.

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Yonhap News

원본보기 아이콘

At that time, the Audit Committee had decided not to disclose the information, but it is reported that Audit Commissioner Yoo, who was then Secretary General, and others overruled this decision and pushed for the release of the materials. In response, the Board of Audit and Inspection's Reform Task Force filed a complaint against the two in November last year for violating the Military Secrets Protection Act by leaking military secrets.

Separately, Audit Commissioner Yoo Byungho has also been accused of inspecting and placing on standby staff members who opposed his views, on charges of abuse of authority, obstruction of the exercise of rights, and interference with official duties.

A police official stated, "We will conduct a strict investigation in accordance with the law and principles, including questioning those involved."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.