Jeju police officer cites workload as reason for prematurely closing missing person cases

Jeju police officer charged with improperly closing missing person cases

A police officer in Jeju, South Korea, has been arrested for allegedly closing missing person cases prematurely, possibly leading to the deaths of the individuals involved. The unnamed corporal has been charged with dereliction of duty and forgery after admitting to closing cases without proper investigation, according to the Jeju Provincial Police Agency.

The officer claimed that his actions were motivated by a desire to alleviate his workload. He stated that he was complacent about the cases because the missing persons were ordinary adults and the burden of handling the cases would increase if they remained open. The officer was accused of closing the case of Jang, a missing woman whose body was found on Jeju Island on August 24, and another case involving a missing man in July, the body of whom was discovered on August 22.

The officer initially claimed he had contacted the missing persons, but he later admitted to lying when questioned by the police. The agency referred the officer to prosecutors for further investigation.