Joint police‑military raid targets three civilian suspects The National Police Agency’s National Office of Investigation and the military executed search and seizure warrants at 8 a.m., raiding homes and offices of three civilians accused of violating the Aviation Safety Act by flying drones into North Korea[1][2]. The operation was coordinated, with investigators seizing equipment and documents related to the alleged flights[1].

North Korea’s sovereignty complaints spark the investigation Pyongyang claimed South Korean drones entered its airspace in September 2025 and again on Jan 4, 2026, releasing a photo of a drone it said fell in Jangphung County after electronic interference[2]. The South Korean military denied operating the drone models in question, stating no official involvement[1]. The raids follow these diplomatic protests and aim to determine civilian responsibility[2].

Suspects include a graduate student and former government affiliates 30‑something graduate student surnamed Oh publicly said he piloted the drones, prompting investigators to question him during the raid[1]. Two other suspects attended the same Seoul university, previously worked in the presidential office under former President Yoon Suk‑yeol, and co‑founded a drone‑manufacturing startup with university support in 2024[1]. Their backgrounds link civilian tech development to the alleged incursions.

Police keep all possibilities open while questioning civilians Authorities declined to disclose the suspects’ identities, emphasizing a thorough investigation and that “all possibilities” remain open[1][2]. One civilian suspect was questioned on the preceding Friday as part of the probe[2]. The investigation continues under the Aviation Safety Act framework.