Prosecutors arrest ex-vice minister over alleged illegal political funds

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- State prosecutors on Wednesday arrested a former vice minister for allegedly taking 800 million won (US$587,251) in illegal political funds.

Prosecutors said the Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant,
citing the risk that Chang In-tae might flee and destroy evidence, which could
affect legal proceedings.
Chang, a former vice minister of public administration, ran for governor of South
Gyeongsang Province in the June 2004 by-election, and allegedly received funds
from Taekwang Chairman Park Yeon-cha that were not properly reported.
Park is believed to have been a major financial sponsor of former President Roh
Moo-hyun and other politicians.
"The former official won the ticket to run as a ruling party candidate and was
given 500 million won and 300 million won, respectively, in mid and late May," a
source at the prosecutor's office said.
He said that the businessmen received a phone call from Roh's elder brother
asking him to help Chang in the election. Roh Gun-pyeong has already been
arrested on charges of exerting undue influence and receiving illegal kickbacks.
"The former vice minister conceded that he received the money," the insider added.
The arrest of Chang comes as authorities are expanding investigations related to
the Taekwang CEO, who is suspected of having carried out wide-ranging lobbying
efforts under the previous administration.
Former aides, political allies and lawmakers loyal to Roh, as well as those of
incumbent President Lee Myung-bak, have been detained in connection to the
growing scandal.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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