South Korea Overhauls Criminal Procedure Law, Shifting Complaint Handling and Investigation Roles

South Korea's criminal justice system is set for a significant overhaul on October 2nd with the implementation of a revised criminal procedure law. This change will alter the process for citizens filing complaints and redefine the roles of investigative agencies.

Under the new law, prosecutors will cease accepting direct complaints and accusations. Instead, these will be handled by police officers and the newly established Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA). The jurisdiction will depend on the nature of the crime and the amount of damages. For instance, fraud cases involving over 500 million won will be transferred from the police to the SCIA.

To prevent overlapping investigations, a "Jurisdictional Coordination Council" under the Prime Minister's Office will be created. This body will be responsible for designating the appropriate investigative agency when multiple bodies claim jurisdiction over the same case. The revision aims to streamline investigations and clarify responsibilities within the justice system.