Former Commissioner of National Tax Service Ahn Jeong-Nam, Solicited by Shin Seung-Hwan, Ordered to Reduce Taxes

Former commissioner of National Tax Service Ahn Jeong-Nam allegedly ordered local revenue offices to reduce taxes after receiving solicitations from Shin Seung-Hwan, the brother of Shin Seung-Nam, then Prosecutors General.

The Special Prosecution team (SP) notified the Public Prosecution about the solicitation and tax evasion and the Public Prosecution will reportedly investigate Mr. Ahn immediately after he returns from his overseas tour.

SP revealed that Mr. Shin S.H. had received 100 million won with a request to solicit Mr. Ahn for tax reduction from a Mr. Choi in May of last year, but since the case is not subject to the SP`s investigation, the SP notified the Public Prosecution about the information.

An official of the SP and the Public Prosecution said that Mr. Shin S.H. asked Mr. Ahn for tax reduction and Mr. Ahn directly called Jungbu District Tax Office to order the reduction of the tax.

Mr. Choi benefited by a few hundred million won due to Mr. Ahn`s orders.

The Public Prosecution will summon Mr. Shin S.H. soon to investigate the circumstances under which he received 100 million won from Mr. Choi for soliciting Mr. Ahn.

The Prosecution is also planning to investigate Mr. Ahn about the same allegations right after it has Mr. Ahn under its charge.

The Prosecution announced that Mr. Ahn will be charged for bribery if he received money or for misfeasance even if he did not receive money.

In addition, the Public Prosecution is likely to investigate allegations about Mr. Ahn`s speculative investments in the construction of the `family town` in Kangnam, Seoul and the suspicions about his illegal accumulation of property.

Mr. Ahn resigned from his office under the pretext of medical treatment for his chronic disease when suspicions about his speculative investments in real estate were raised in September of last year.

Soo-Hyung Lee viyonz@donga.com · Wi-Yong Jung sooh@donga.com