Interior ministry says 2,140 attend Major Crimes briefings

The interior ministry said Monday that about 2,140 people attended appointment briefings for the Major Crimes Investigation Agency from Aug. 5 to 10, as the special appointment process for prosecutors and other personnel moves toward the body's planned launch.

Held at five high prosecutors' offices and 13 district prosecutors' offices, the briefings drew about 210 prosecutors, including roughly 140 rank-and-file prosecutors, as well as investigators and others.

The ministry's preparatory team prepares details on the agency's organization, staffing and personnel management under the Major Crimes Investigation Agency Act.

Prosecutors and prosecution-service employees seeking appointments can submit requests through Aug. 20. The preparatory team plans to select candidates in September and appoint them for the Oct. 2 opening. The agency is scheduled to launch with a headquarters and six regional offices.

The preparatory team has prepared a plan for a new monthly major-crimes investigation allowance of 100,000 won to 200,000 won for investigators dedicated to major-crime cases, depending on rank. Drug investigators would receive an additional monthly hazardous-duty allowance of 80,000 won.