MBC's investigative program 'Straight' focuses on the challenges remaining after the abolition of prosecutorial investigation rights and the evolving nature of scam crimes that have shifted their bases overseas.
On August 9, 'Straight' will examine the end of the direct investigation era for prosecutors, which has lasted 72 years.
The National Assembly has passed a revision to the Criminal Procedure Act that completely abolishes the prosecutors' investigation rights. This marks the end of a system that has allowed prosecutors to exercise both investigative and prosecutorial powers since the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Act in 1954.
During the discussions, there was ongoing debate regarding supplementary investigation rights. Both the President and the Minister of Justice expressed the need to retain limited supplementary investigation rights, but the ruling party opted for a strict separation of investigation and prosecution.
'Straight' will explore the controversy surrounding supplementary investigation rights and the process leading to the finalization of the prosecutorial reform plan. It will also address the challenges that need to be tackled ahead of the abolition of the prosecution office and the implementation of the new system in October.
The program will also track the increasingly organized and sophisticated nature of scam crimes.
Scam crimes refer to fraudulent methods that involve building trust with victims through online platforms and social media before stealing their money. These scams have diversified, including romance scams, no-show scams, and stock trading scams, and have become more advanced with the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
Last October, a scam organization based in Cambodia became an international issue, prompting local military and police to launch a large-scale crackdown, but the crimes have not been eradicated. Instead, some organizations have begun relocating their bases to neighboring countries like Thailand and Malaysia.
'Straight' will meet with informants who have infiltrated scam organizations based in Thailand and Malaysia to examine how these criminal groups operate and target South Koreans.
The program will also investigate the ongoing trend of luring South Korean youth abroad with promises of high-paying jobs or part-time work.
'Straight' will air today, August 9, at 8:30 PM.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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