SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- The Unification Ministry said Monday it will ask law enforcement authorities to look into allegations that government officials took bribes in exchange for helping local traders bring in agricultural products from North Korea.
Rep. Choi Jae-sung of the main opposition Democratic Party claimed last week that the trading firms used the bribes after the ministry rejected their request to import shiitake mushrooms from North Korea for violating import conditions.
Choi claimed that multiple officials of a government agency, which he did not identify, exercised influence to help the traders win approval for the import, and received money in kickbacks. The lawmaker did not say how much money was given to them.
On Monday, Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung said that the ministry will refer the case to investigation authorities but denied that the ministry was involved in the alleged bribery.
(END)
- China bolsters regional clout as North Korea extends survival: experts
- N. Korean leader gives Carter cold shoulder in possible message to U.S.
- N. Korean leader in China to clinch deal on successor: analysts
- Lee's speech hints at no change in N. Korea policy
- South Korea comes away with a partial victory at ARF
- Obama gives political 'gift' to Seoul, may hope for trade deal in return
- N. Korea's exit strategy may be hidden in foe's words
- Wind of animosity gusts across peninsula, swinging S. Korean voters
- Is there way out of chicken game on Korean Peninsula?
Home > NorthKorea
2010/10/25 14:45 KST
Unification ministry calls for investigation into bribery allegations over inter-Korean trade
