By Kim Bo-eun
The prosecution has detained former National Intelligence Service (NIS) chief Lee Byung-kee on suspicion of providing funds from the spy agency to former President Park Geun-hye.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office said Tuesday it made the decision based on investigative procedures and will soon decide whether to seek an arrest warrant for Lee.
The arrest came after prosecutors questioned him Monday on allegations he transferred money from the agency’s “special activity funds” to Cheong Wa Dae.
Lee was head of the NIS from July 2014 to February 2015, and served as chief of staff to then-President Park from March 2015 to May 2016, replacing Kim Ki-choon.
Prosecutors found that 50 million won ($44.7 million) in monthly “bribes” provided to the presidential office under Lee’s predecessor Nam Jae-joon was increased to around 100 million won during Lee’s time there.
Prosecutors are looking into whether he won the position as presidential chief of staff because of the funds he provided to Park during his term as NIS chief.
Additionally, Lee Byung-ho, Lee’s successor, faces the same charges. The three former NIS heads face allegations of providing 4 billion won from the agency’s “special activity funds” to Park.
The prosecution said Tuesday it is seeking arrest warrants for Nam and Lee Byung-ho.
Considering the detention of former Cheong Wa Dae senior secretaries Ahn Bong-geun and Lee Jae-man who said they received the funds and transferred them to Park, it is likely warrants will be issued for the two ex-NIS chiefs.
Nam and Lee Byung-ho, who were summoned earlier, reportedly said they could not refuse the request to provide funds to Cheong Wa Dae as it was considered “an order from President Park” and they also regarded the practice as customary.
Lee Byung-kee also reportedly provided similar testimony.
Attending the prosecution’s questioning Monday he appeared to have acknowledged the allegations he faces, telling reporters “I am very sorry for having disappointed and caused concern, with regards to NIS funds that were provided to Cheong Wa Dae.”
Because the allegations also involve Park, prosecutors are also likely to question the former president.
However, this is expected to take time, as former presidential secretaries for political affairs Cho Yoon-sun and Hyun Ki-hwan who also received NIS funds have also yet to be questioned.