<Anchor> The
National Intelligence Service and the police are raiding the office of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.
It is said to be a search and seizure due to an investigation related to North Korean espionage, and connects reporters on the scene.
Reporter Hong Young-jae, please tell me.
<Reporter>
Yes, the National Intelligence Service and the police are conducting a search and seizure of the office of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions in Jung-gu, Seoul from 9:45 am today (the 18th).
As you can see behind me, there is a police riot police stationed in front of the KCTU office building, and the fire station even installed an air mat in case of an unexpected accident.
The National Intelligence Service and the police obtained a search and seizure warrant from the court for violating the National Security Law against an executive at the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.
The NIS is said to have been investigating the case for several years.
The NIS explained that although it could not reveal the specific charges, it decided to seize and search because it judged that there was a need for a compulsory investigation.
The authorities are suspicious of whether the executive of the KCTU had contact with North Korea.
Early this morning, when the National Intelligence Service and the police attempted a search and seizure, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions strongly resisted, saying it was an unfair search and seizure.
In the process, a physical fight occurred, but it is known that the two sides went through consultations to execute the warrant, and now five investigative personnel enter first and are in the process of seizure and search.
The NIS is conducting seizures and searches not only at the office of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, but also at the office of the KCTU health and medical union in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, and at the Kia Motors plant in Gwangju.