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Investigation of savings bank chiefs widens

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By Yi Whan-woo
  • Published May 9, 2012 7:52 pm KST
  • Updated May 9, 2012 7:52 pm KST

By Yi Whan-woo

The prosecution is expanding its investigation of banking irregularities after arresting Kim Chan-kyung, chief of one of four suspended savings banks on charges of embezzling 13 billion won ($11.5 million) on Wednesday.

Investigators at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office will look into allegations that Kim, chairman of the troubled Mirae Savings Bank, raised a 5.6-billion-won slush fund, and illegally lobbied politicians for business favors.

Kim was caught by the Korea Coast Guard on May 2 in an apparent attempt to smuggle himself out of the country to China on a boat.