The joint military-police investigation team probing the North Korean drone incursion has conducted a third round of questioning with a graduate student suspected of launching multiple drones into North Korea.
Police sources revealed on Wednesday that the task force (TF) interrogated Mr. Oh, a graduate student in his 30s identified as the primary suspect in the drone case, on the previous day.
This marks Mr. Oh’s third session with the TF, following earlier interviews on January 21 and 27. To date, the task force has conducted eight interrogations involving three civilian suspects, including Mr. Oh.
The TF reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting Mr. Oh had been in contact with more than three intelligence operatives since last year and questioned him about these interactions.
Previously, on January 16, Mr. Oh appeared on a broadcast claiming he had deployed drones three times to measure radiation contamination levels from a uranium facility in North Korea’s Pyongsan County.
The TF is investigating the circumstances and motives behind Mr. Oh’s activities, as he allegedly manufactured drones at Estelle Engineering, a company he co-founded with his junior colleague, Mr. Jang, before launching them into North Korea.
Of particular interest are recent allegations suggesting the Military Intelligence Command may have supported Mr. Oh’s drone manufacturing efforts. The investigation is expected to expand to address these claims.
As the TF wraps up its inquiry into Mr. Oh and other civilian suspects, it is anticipated to escalate the probe by summoning intelligence officials based on the testimonies gathered.