SEOUL, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- South Korea's special prosecutor has launched an internal probe after investigators found a confidential roster of law enforcement officers inside a Unification Church office during a recent raid -- a discovery that has intensified a widening corruption case linking religion, politics and the state.
The list, first reported by The JoongAng Ilbo newspaper, contained the names and assignments of police officers temporarily working at the Special Prosecutor's Office. Such documents are normally restricted even within the agency.
Officials said they are investigating whether a retired police officer, identified only by the initial A, leaked the file to church officials.
An special prosecutor's spokesperson said the office is "verifying how the document was obtained and whether any ongoing investigations were affected." If confirmed, prosecutors say, the breach would mark one of the most serious leaks of investigative information in years, potentially allowing suspects to anticipate raids or destroy evidence.
Indictments for embezzlement, political-fund violations
