Investigators to be trained in fighting economic crimes

The prosecution is set to educate investigative personnel on the latest methods of combating economic crimes. The Supreme Prosecutor`s Office said Monday it launched a 3 1/2-month course for public prosecutors from Seoul and its outlying areas to teach them how to detect irregularities in computerized business data. The first group of 30 prosecutors in charge of economic crimes were chosen from among personnel at prosecutors` offices in Seoul, Suwon and neighboring cities. The need for investigators with financial expertise has been felt acutely in the wake of the outbreak of major scandals involving fraudulent accounts and bank loan irregularities.

Instructors from Samil Accounting Company will give two three-hour classes a week in the techniques of analyzing computer accounting programs and data, public accounting theory and skills for probing the embezzlement of corporate funds, tax evasion and other types of economic crimes. The prosecution is also recruiting prosecutors to be detailed to the Financial Supervisory Service and the Fair Trade Commission, the two main financial sector watchdogs. Dozens of prosecutors are reported to have applied for the outside assignments.

Expeditious and accurate analysis of accounting data is essential for effective investigations of complicated economic offenses, prosecution sources said, and expanded education and outside experience would help prosecutors to do a better job of cracking down on economic crimes.

Lee Soo-Hyung sooh@donga.com