Central figures in NSP funding scandal charged

The central investigation bureau of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office decided Monday to lay charges against Rep. Kang Sam-Jae and Kim Ki-Sup, former deputy director of the Agency for National Security Planning (NSP), for illegally appropriating funds from the state intelligence agency's budget, diverting money from the national treasury and violating the law on the National Intelligence Service.

Chief Prosecutor Kim Dae-Wung said that their offenses were tantamount to undermining the nation's foundation. He added that a warrant would be issued for Kang's arrest.

The prosecution has been awaiting National Assembly approval of its request to arrest the Grand National Party (GNP) vice president. Lawmakers are immune from arrest while parliament is in session Kang was charged with diverting about 119.2 billion won ($99 million) in NSP funds to the former ruling party in collusion with the ex-spy agency official in 1995 and 1996.