South Korean police arrest 1,863 in nationwide anti-corruption sweep

The Korean National Police Agency’s National Office of Investigation reported that a special anti-corruption campaign, running from March to September 16, resulted in 1,863 arrests, of which 27 individuals were formally detained. The operation focused on local government officials and business actors accused of abusing authority, such as exerting undue pressure or accepting money linked to official duties, which accounted for 841 of the arrests.

Financial corruption, primarily the diversion of public funds, comprised 814 cases. Public officials made up the biggest category with 803 arrests, while 703 private-sector representatives were also implicated. Investigators highlighted repeated patterns of officials with licensing and permitting power colluding with private operators, often through brokers, to secure business advantages. The agency plans to analyze the results and refine its response mechanisms ahead of a further anti-corruption drive scheduled for November.