Probe on 130 suspects of draft-dodging nears

The prosecuting attorney announced on May 2 that it is thoroughly investigating the list of 130 suspects who are allegedly related to the draft scandal of Sgt. Mgr. Park. The joint team of the public prosecution and the military prosecuting attorney is also probing Mr. Choi, a chief secretary of an unidentified lawyer, who is suspected of the illegal request of exempting from the military draft.

Probing the list: the list is known to include some names of influential big shots such as businesspersons, executive officers of private industries and governmental officials. According to the prosecution attorney, `While there is no celebrity for now among those whose identity have been unveiled, it seems that the number of the suspects will increase in the process of the investigation.

Since 2-3 people were usually involved in one case of the draft scandal, it is anticipated that more than 300 people will be summoned. The prosecution is planning to serve a subpoena for further investigation after it thoroughly will examine the whole list by the end of the week.

Investigation of Mr. Choi: The procession has scrutinized Sgt. Mgr Park to find out whether Mr. Choi had requested the exemption of his son from the draft or he was engaged in Park’s runaway. Mr. Choi is also suspected of providing a deceitful information in order to obscuring the investigation after Park’s escape.

Investigation of the related aids: The military prosecuting attorney already examined a warrant officer, known as Mr. Lee one of Park’s military colleagues, who allegedly contacted with him during his fleeing. The prosecution will ask the warrant of arrest on a charge of aiding Park’s flight and of leaking the information of the military investigation.

Lee Chol-Hi klimt@donga.com