The joint military-police investigation team is currently reviewing records from last year’s drone crash incident involving a suspect accused of launching multiple drones into North Korea.
On Wednesday, Democratic Party Rep. Bu Seung-chan’s office reported that the joint investigation task force (TF) received reports and photographs related to the Yeoju drone incident from the Defense Security Support Command.
Following the Yeoju drone crash on November 13 last year, the Defense Security Support Command and police formed a joint intelligence investigation team to conduct an initial probe.
The military-police TF has confirmed receipt of preliminary investigation reports and several photographs taken at the drone discovery site.
According to information provided to Rep. Bu’s office by the Defense Security Support Command, the joint intelligence team identified a man in his 30s, referred to as Mr. Jang, on the day the Yeoju drone was discovered.
Investigators reportedly questioned Mr. Jang about his motives for flying the drone and why he painted it a discreet sky blue. Mr. Jang claimed it was a hobby and he simply liked the color.
At the time, police found no evidence of national security threats and referred the case to prosecutors for violating aviation security laws by flying an unregistered drone.
Mr. Jang is now under investigation by the military-police TF for allegedly manufacturing drones linked to recent incursions.
The drone Mr. Jang flew in the Yeoju area is reportedly similar to the model that recently violated North Korean airspace.
The TF believes Mr. Jang produced the drones at Estelle Engineering, a company he co-founded with a college senior, Mr. Oh. Travel restrictions have been imposed on three suspects, including Mr. Jang.
The TF is investigating charges of illegal drone flights (violating aviation safety laws) and unauthorized filming of military installations (breaching laws protecting military bases and facilities).