South Korean Police Officer Falsified Missing Person Case, Accessed Location Data

A police officer in Jeju, South Korea, faces new accusations of misconduct after it was revealed he accessed location data for a missing man in his 60s. This alleged action mirrors previous accusations where the officer, identified as Bu, is suspected of fabricating a missing person case for a woman in her 30s.

According to the Jeju Provincial Police Agency, Officer Bu accessed the location information of the 60-year-old man, identified as Mr. A, at least once after his missing person report was filed on July 2. Approximately five hours later, Bu allegedly informed the reporting party that he had contacted Mr. A and that the individual did not wish to reveal his location. The case was then internally closed by the officer. However, investigations revealed that no such phone call occurred, and the system was falsely updated to indicate Mr. A had been located.

Details regarding the exact number of times Bu accessed the location data and the specific times remain unconfirmed. This incident follows a previous investigation where Bu reportedly accessed the location data of the woman in her 30s, Ms. Jang, seven times after her initial missing person report on May 15. Initially, Bu maintained he had spoken with both missing individuals. However, faced with evidence such as call records during recent police interrogations, he has begun to alter his statements and admit to some of the charges.

Authorities are now concentrating their investigative efforts on uncovering Officer Bu's motives. This includes deploying profilers and conducting forensic analysis of digital evidence. Tragically, Mr. A was discovered deceased in Gujwa-eup, Jeju City, more than 40 days after his initial missing person report.