South Korean investigators have requested an arrest warrant for a graduate student suspected of directing drone flights into North Korean airspace. The student, in his 30s and surnamed Oh, allegedly sent drones four times to test their performance for a potential drone business profit. The incidents have escalated tensions between the two Koreas.
On February 20 in Seoul, a military-police task force announced it had requested an arrest warrant for a graduate student in his 30s, surnamed Oh, suspected of orchestrating drone flights to North Korea. The drones departed from Ganghwa Island in Incheon, flew over North Korea's Kaesong and Pyongsan regions, and returned to Paju, northwest of Seoul, on four occasions. The task force applied charges of benefiting the enemy and violating aviation safety and military installation laws.
The warrant was sought on Thursday due to fears that the suspect might destroy evidence. The task force stated, "(The flights) created tension between South and North Korea, putting the people of the Republic of Korea in danger." It added, "We determined that it harmed our military interests, such as by exposing our military's affairs and leading to a change in our readiness posture."
The joint investigation began last month following North Korea's claims of South Korean drone incursions in September and on January 4. Seven individuals are under scrutiny, including Oh, those involved in drone production, and officials from military and intelligence agencies. The flights are seen as infringing on South Korea's military interests.
