By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter

A former Cheong Wa Dae official is under investigation for allegedly taking bribes last year from equipment suppliers for the presidential office, a spokesman said Tuesday.

An initial probe showed the official, who worked at the Office of the Presidential Secretary for General Affairs, took kickbacks from an automobile manufacturer that provided hybrid cars to Cheong Wa Dae.

He is also suspected of having taken bribes from a builder regarding a project to renovate some buildings inside the presidential complex.

The official resigned last week after the office opened the investigation. He reportedly denied the allegations.

The presidential spokesman said the case had been referred to the prosecution for a thorough examination, without providing further details.

The bribery case is the latest in a series of corruption cases involving the presidential staff.

Despite President Lee Myung-bak's repeated vows to impose stiff penalties on corrupt public officials, some Cheong Wa Dae officials have resigned over corruption allegations.

In April, Chief of Staff Chung Chung-kil offered a public apology over allegations that two presidential staff members were wined and dined by an executive from T-Broad, a cable TV network, as well as having sex with prostitutes, in exchange for business favors.

The office disciplined a junior official at the office of personnel management and planning in October for assaulting a taxi driver while arguing over the fare. He was intoxicated when police arrived at the scene.

Another official was also arrested that month for allegedly raping a woman he had met on a blind date.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr