Special Counsel Requests Bench Warrant for Former NIS Director
The special counsel team investigating the insurrection case, led by Cho Eun-seok, has requested a bench warrant for former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Cho Tae-yong. This move comes as part of an ongoing investigation into multiple alleged violations committed by the former official.
During a press briefing, the special counsel explained the reasons behind the request, stating, “We have requested a bench warrant for former Director Cho on charges of violating the NIS Act’s prohibition on political involvement, dereliction of duty, perjury, destruction of evidence, and fabrication of false official documents.” The team emphasized that this decision was made due to the severity of the case and concerns about potential evidence tampering, given the former director’s position and responsibilities.
Allegations Against Former Director Cho
Cho Tae-yong is accused of several serious offenses. One of the key charges is dereliction of duty for failing to report to the National Assembly despite knowing about the declaration of emergency martial law on December 3. The special counsel highlighted that this failure to appear constituted a significant breach of duty.
In addition, he faces allegations of violating the NIS Act’s prohibition on political involvement. According to the investigation, Cho selectively provided CCTV footage to the People Power Party, including details about the movements of former First Deputy Director Hong Jang-won on the day of the martial law declaration. However, he withheld footage of his own whereabouts when requested by the Democratic Party of Korea.
Another major charge against him is perjury. The former director allegedly testified before the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly that he had never heard the term “emergency authority.” The special counsel claims that this testimony was false and misleading.
Evidence Destruction and Other Allegations
There are also allegations that Cho was involved in the deletion of encrypted phone information related to former President Yoon Suk-yeol and former Deputy Director Hong. During the press briefing, the special counsel noted that the charge of destruction of evidence applied to Cho is specifically linked to former President Yoon.
Prior to the bench warrant request, the special counsel summoned Cho for investigation on three separate occasions: the 15th and 17th of last month and the 4th of this month. Three days after the final investigation, they submitted the bench warrant request on the same day.
The bench warrant document is reported to be approximately 50 pages long, detailing the various charges and evidence collected during the investigation.
Upcoming Custody Review
A custody review for former Director Cho is scheduled to take place at 10:10 a.m. on the 11th. The hearing will be presided over by Presiding Judge Park Jeong-ho of the Seoul Central District Court’s warrant-dedicated chamber. This review will determine whether the bench warrant will be executed and whether Cho will be taken into custody.