Investigation into Professor Yoo Dam's preferential treatment allegations; Incheon Police Chief says "We will not drag it out"

3-Line Summary
ㆍ"Many subjects to investigate, and analyzing seized items is taking time"
ㆍ64% of Election Act cases processed; will be completed within the statute of limitations
ㆍDismissed concerns regarding inadequate or delayed investigations due to judicial system changes
/YouTube Channel 'Yoo Seung-min TV'
Yoo Seung-ryeol, Incheon Police Chief. /News1
On the 30th, Incheon Police Chief Yoo Seung-ryeol expressed his position regarding the investigation into allegations of preferential appointment of Professor Yoo Dam (32) of Incheon National University's Department of Trade, who is the daughter of former National Assembly member Yoo Seung-min, stating, "There are many subjects to investigate, and analyzing the seized items is taking a considerable amount of time."
During a press conference held today, Chief Yoo stated, "There are 29 subjects of investigation, including suspects and witnesses, and we have conducted a total of 39 rounds of questioning, including additional investigations." He added, "Time is being taken for four rounds of search and seizure, analysis of evidence, verifying evidence relationships for each person involved, and legal reviews, and digital forensics on the (seized) data also require time. We will not drag the investigation out and will complete it as quickly as possible."
When asked if there was any political influence, he replied, "There is absolutely no political influence or consideration involved."
The Incheon Police Agency's Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Unit has been conducting the investigation for 10 months since receiving the relevant complaint last November. During the investigation, the police also booked three additional individuals, including former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, who were not included in the original complaint. However, Professor Yoo, the subject of the allegations, has not been booked.
Regarding the investigation into violations of the Public Official Election Act related to the June 3 local elections, he stated, "The statute of limitations for Public Official Election Act cases is 6 months (from the election date), so we must finish by December 3rd. We have had initial consultations with the prosecution and have processed more than 60% of the cases; we will strive to complete the remaining cases within the statute of limitations."
The Incheon Police Agency is also investigating the 'impersonation of a descendant of an independence activist' controversy surrounding Incheon Mayor Park Chan-dae, allegations of virtual asset concealment by former Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and the 'meal expense provision controversy' involving Incheon Superintendent of Education Do Seong-hun's campaign. Other subjects of investigation include Yeongjong-gu Head Son Hwa-jeong's 'allegations of false residency,' Jemulpo-gu Head Kim Chan-jin's 'allegations of pre-election campaigning,' Geomdan-gu Head Kim Jin-gyu's 'allegations of false promotion,' and Incheon Vice Mayor for Balanced Development Nam Young-hee's 'controversy over the publication of false facts.'
Out of a total of 114 cases of alleged election law violations related to the last local election, the Incheon Police Agency has transferred 23 cases and decided not to transfer 50 cases, recording a processing rate of 64%.
Chief Yoo dismissed concerns regarding inadequate investigations, delayed investigations, or the burying of cases due to changes in the judicial system, such as the launch of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency and the Prosecution Office on the 2nd of next month.
Chief Yoo said, "As is the case now, the police will transfer cases to the Prosecution Office, and if a prosecutor from the Prosecution Office requests supplementary investigation, we must conduct it. If it is determined that it is difficult to entrust the supplementary investigation to the police, the Prosecution Office will send the case to the Serious Crime Investigation Agency to investigate."
He continued, "Even if the prosecution's investigative powers are abolished, the number of cases the police must handle will not increase drastically. Since the Serious Crime Investigation Agency will take over some prosecution cases and investigate major crimes, there should be no problem."