Jeju police officer faces dismissal over falsified missing persons reports

A police officer in Jeju has been recommended for dismissal, the highest level of disciplinary action, following allegations of falsifying missing persons reports. The officer, a sergeant in his 30s, is accused of closing cases by recording that contact had been made with missing individuals when no such contact or location verification actually occurred.

Two specific cases led to the investigation: a woman who went missing in May and a man who went missing in July. In both instances, the individuals were later found dead in August. An investigation into the officer's work between March last year and July this year revealed that out of 298 missing person cases handled, 25 were processed improperly.

The officer is currently in custody and faces charges including forgery of electronic records, dereliction of duty, and falsification of official documents. His first trial is scheduled for October 14. Meanwhile, police are investigating supervisory responsibilities and have taken administrative actions against several officials in the investigation team.