South Korean Police Officer Suspended for Giving Victim’s Address to Ex-Partner’s Revenge Accomplice

A serving police officer in Seoul has been placed on standby after allegedly handing over the home address and other personal information of an acquaintance’s former partner.

Seodaemun Police Station took the action on the 27th, according to police. The officer has been booked on suspicion of violating the Personal Information Protection Act and is being investigated by Yangcheon Police Station.

The acquaintance, a man in his 30s, allegedly hired a private revenge service in December last year to scatter waste at his former partner’s home. Investigators believe he obtained the victim’s address from the police officer.

Police previously sought an arrest warrant for the acquaintance, but prosecutors returned it and requested additional investigation. Officers later renewed the warrant request after expanding their inquiry into how the personal information had been obtained. Police said they would consider disciplinary and other follow-up measures after reviewing the progress of the investigation into the officer.