Seoul: A joint team of police and military investigators raided the homes and offices of three suspects accused of flying drones into North Korea, as confirmed by police sources. The operation, which began on Wednesday, was part of an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of the Aviation Safety Act.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the National Police Agency's National Office of Investigation executed search and seizure warrants against the three civilian suspects starting at 8 a.m. This action is part of a broader investigation that was initiated last week after North Korea accused South Korea of infringing on its sovereignty through drone incursions in September and on January 4. The South Korean military has denied any involvement, asserting that it does not operate the drone models in question.

Police officials have stated that the investigation will be comprehensive, with all possibilities being considered. However, they have refrained from publicly identifying the suspects involved. The recent raid follows a media interview with a 30-something graduate student, surnamed Oh, who claimed responsibility for flying the drones. Additionally, a civilian suspect was questioned on the same day regarding the alleged incursions.

The investigation has revealed that the two suspects, who attended the same university in Seoul, previously worked at the presidential office under former President Yoon Suk Yeol. They also co-founded a drone manufacturing startup with the support of their university in 2024. The authorities continue to investigate the matter to determine the full extent of the alleged activities.