Two arrested over graft allegations at top military compound

SEOUL, Nov. 2 (Yonhap) -- Military prosecutors said Monday they arrested two
officials at South Korea's top military compound in an alleged graft case into
which the new defense minister has ordered a renewed investigation.

The Ministry of National Defense launched an investigation team on Oct. 14 after
broadcaster MBC said officials at the Gyeryong compound in South Chungcheong
Province took over 900 million won (US$810,000) from deals with local providers
of office supplies.
The compound is home to the headquarters of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
The report was based on an interview with a Navy lieutenant commander who had
earlier complained, to no avail, he received unfair treatment within his unit for
being a whistle-blower.
The report prompted Defense Minister Kim Tae-young, who took office in September,
to order a special military investigation.
Investigators said they arrested a civilian official and a Navy colonel last week
in connection with the charges, adding bank accounts were traced to verify some
of the allegations.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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