Oil-Gate Inquiry Continues

On May 25, the Seoul District Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Department Three (chief prosecutor: Hong Man-pyo), which is looking into the suspicions surrounding the Russian oil field investments made by the Korean National Railroad (now Korea Railroad), summoned Uri Party Assemblyman Lee Gwang-jae as a witness in the investigation.

The prosecution will also subpoena Lee Gi-myung, who headed a financial supporters’ group for President Roh Moo-hyun during the election and is currently heading the supporters’ group for Lee Gwang-jae, as a witness this week.

Prosecutors questioned National Assemblyman Lee Gwang-jae regarding whether or not he intervened in the investment project after introducing real estate developer Jeon Dae-wol (currently in custody), who initiated the investment, to geologist Huh Mun-seok (who has disappeared overseas) in June of 2004.

Prior to the day’s interrogation, Lee stressed, “I clearly state that I have not committed any illegal actions.”

National Assemblyman Lee’s appearance before the prosecution comes just a year and five months after he was summoned by the Central Investigations Department of the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office in relation to the “Sun and Moon Incident” in December 2003. Last March, he also underwent a special investigation involving corruption among officials close to the president.

A prosecution official said, “We expect to come significantly closer to uncovering the truth of the case through the investigation on National Assemblyman Lee.”

woogija@donga.com