Seoul: The state anti-corruption investigation office announced Wednesday its plans to raid the presidential office concerning former President Yoon Suk Yeol's alleged interference in a military investigation related to a Marine conscript's death two years ago.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) stated that its prosecutors and investigators are attempting to contact officials at the presidential office before initiating the search in the central Seoul district of Yongsan. The investigation focuses on Yoon's potential involvement in the Marine Corps' probe into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who was swept away by an overflowing stream in Yecheon, 161 kilometers southeast of Seoul, in July 2023 during a mission to search for victims of downpours.
Marine Corps investigators identified Lim Seong-geun, former commander of the Marine Corps 1st Division, to which Chae belonged, and seven others as responsible for the conscript's death. They sought to transfer them to police on charges of negligent homicide and other offenses. Former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup initially approved the investigation results and the transfer plan but reversed his decision a day later, allegedly due to pressure and interference from Yoon.
The CIO reportedly aims to secure records of visitors and meetings at the presidential office related to Yoon's alleged meddling in the military investigation. The search and seizure warrant issued by the CIO reportedly lists Yoon as a suspect in the abuse of power case.