South Korean prosecutors transfer 2,168 wanted cases to police

Ahead of the launch of the Public Prosecution Office on October 2, the prosecution is accelerating the reorganization of cases where the whereabouts of suspects are unknown and prosecution has been suspended.

According to guidelines issued by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, approximately 2,168 cases involving direct arrest warrants issued by prosecutors will be transferred to the police and special judicial police. This move is intended to ensure continuity in tracking suspects and securing their custody, as the prosecution's direct investigative powers will be abolished with the establishment of the new office.

The transfer process involves the prosecution reopening the suspended cases, returning existing arrest warrants to the court, and canceling the current wanted status. The police or special judicial police will then apply for and receive new arrest warrants to re-enter the wanted status. This measure aims to minimize any gaps in the management of suspects during the transition between agencies.