Lawmaker Probed in Tax Office Scandal

Busan prosecutors are investigating whether lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae of the liberal United New Democratic Party influenced personnel management at the National Tax Service.

The Busan District Prosecutor’s Office yesterday said it will subpoena and interrogate former National Tax Service Commissioner Jeon Goon-pyo and former commissioner of the Busan Regional Tax Office Jeong Sang-gon before their first sentencing Feb. 20.

Investigators plan to see if a third person conveyed Jeong’s request to the lawmaker and if monetary lobbying was involved.

Jeon resigned in November last year after admitting that he accepted a bribe in return for personnel favors at the tax office.

Lee has denied meeting Jeong or talking to him over the phone, saying a person around him requested something.

Prosecutors will look into Lee’s claim and conversations between the lawmaker and Jeon.

In court Monday, Jeon said, “When I asked Lee how he knew Jeong, Lee told me his father-in-law and Jeong were relatives.” Lee has denied saying this.

After probing capital flows between Lee and Jeong, prosecutors said they found no evidence of wrongdoing. Depending on the results of their investigation into Jeon and Jeong, however, prosecutors could summon lawmaker Lee for questioning.

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