Prosecutors have reopened an investigation into an illegal surveillance scandal involving the Prime Minister's Office two years ago, following a recent allegation by one of the key suspects that the presidential office attempted a cover-up, an official said Friday.
Seven officials at the office were indicted in 2010 in connection with the unauthorized surveillance operation of a businessman who posted a video clip critical of the government of President Lee Myung-bak on his blog in 2008. They appealed and are awaiting rulings by the Supreme Court.
One of the seven officials on trial, Jang Jin-su, recently revealed that he destroyed hard drives and computer data under the direction of an official at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae before prosecutors launched the probe.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office formed a special probe unit for the reinvestigation and plans to summon Jang on Tuesday, the prosecution official said.
"A notice of summons was sent to Jang Jin-su because if his claim is true, it could become evidence," the official said on the condition of anonymity, adding the initial reinvestigation stage will focus on how Jang destroyed evidence.
Jang claimed that the direction was given by Choi Jong-seok, a former labor affairs official at the presidential office by telephone, disclosing a recording of phone conversations between Jang and Choi.
In the disclosed phone conversation, Choi also encouraged Jang to destroy evidence with a "hammer and dump it into the Han River," saying the presidential office had a deal with the prosecution, according to local media reports.
Opposition parties have demanded prosecutors launch a reinvestigation into the illegal surveillance scandal. (Yonhap)