Former opposition party chief faces probe for alleged bribery

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Police began investigating bribery allegations involving Lee Hye-hoon, former chief of the minor conservative opposition party, they said Sunday.

A businesswoman surnamed Ok filed a complaint in October against the three-term lawmaker, claiming she provided about 60 million won (US$55,223) worth of cash and designer bags.

Lee resigned as chief of the right-wing Bareun Party in September after the scandal broke.

During a recent questioning at the Seocho Police Station, Ok said she met Lee about 10 times from October 2015 to March this year in hotels and cafes, and gave the money and presents in person.

She testified that Lee had promised to help land contracts with conglomerates and arranged meetings with corporate executives, according to police.

Lee has denied the allegations, saying she borrowed the money and paid it back.

Police plan to summon Lee after questioning Ok and some 10 other witnesses.

pbr@yna.co.kr
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