Ex-communications chief sentenced to two and half years in prison for bribe taking

Choi See-joong, the country's former communications chief and one of the closest confidants of President Lee Myung-bak, was sentenced Friday to a two-and-a-half year term in prison and 600 million won ($536,834) in fines for accepting bribes from a local construction company in return for influence peddling.

The 75-year-old Choi was arrested and indicted in May on charges of taking 800 million won in bribes from property developer Pi City through broker Lee Dong-ryul on 13 occasions between July 2006 and February 2008.

In August, prosecutors sought three and a half years behind bars and 800 million won in fines, noting the money he accepted was "in exchange for favors in a construction project."

Choi admitted to receiving part of the money, but denied the allegations that he exerted any influence on the construction project.

"It is hard to accept Choi's claim that the 600 million won he received from broker Lee was not related to any favors for the construction project," said Jeong Seon-jae, chief judge of the Seoul Central District Court.

The court, however, acquitted him of charges that he received an additional 200 million won from the broker, citing a lack of credibility of the broker's testimony.

Choi has asked for bail citing his health problems, but the court dismissed the application Friday because of concerns he may flee and destroy evidence. (Yonhap)