Man facing bribery scandal returns

Chun Shin-il, chairman of Sejoong Namo Tour and longtime supporter of President Lee Myung-bak, ended his months-long overseas trip and returned to Seoul yesterday.

Chun, who is suspected of pocketing 4 billion won ($3.4 million) in bribes from Imcheon Industry Co., arrived at Incheon International Airport at 8:50 a.m. yesterday.

Prosecutors who have waited for his return as part of an investigation in connection with bribery allegations will seek a warrant to arrest him and plan to summon him soon.

Chun is likely to voluntarily turn himself in for questioning after he finishes a medical examination as early as today or tomorrow, prosecutors said.

Chun, 67, went abroad on Aug. 19 after prosecutors began investigating Imcheon Industry Co. and didn’t return until yesterday.

He has rejected prosecutors’ summons three times.

Prosecutors suspect that Imcheon Industry Co., a subcontractor of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, offered bribes so Chun could help the company get loans from banks and avoid tax investigations.

Lee Su-wu, head of Imcheon Industry, testified to the prosecution that he offered 4 billion won worth of bribes to get business favors from Chun, prosecution sources said.

Chun has been serving as an unofficial adviser to Imcheon Industry since 2007, receiving 10 million won per month, the prosecution said.

Lee was indicted in August on charges of embezzling 35.4 billion won of company money for personal use and for running Imcheon’s affiliated companies.

By Kim Mi-ju [mijukim@joongang.co.kr]