A court Friday delivered suspended prison terms to two aides to a late businessman involved in a bribery case, convicting them of destroying evidence.
The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Park Jun-ho, former executive director of Keangnam Enterprises Inc., and chief secretary Lee Yong-ki, to 10 months in prison each, but suspended the sentences for two years.
“While tampering with evidence connected to their late boss, Sung Wan-jong, is a serious crime, there is room for leniency as they were given directions from their superior,” said Judge Lee Heon-sook.
Before taking his own life earlier this year, Sung, the chief of the company, left behind a list of people he allegedly bribed, including former Prime Minister Lee Wan-Koo, who stepped down after mounting suspicions.
Park and Lee, who are believed to have the most knowledge on the matter, allegedly hid evidence that could have revealed the underhanded dealings.
A huge portion of computer files at Keangnam headquarters was missing, and closed circuit televisions had been turned off, prosecutors said, alleging that Sung ordered a cover-up before his death.
Sung was under investigation for embezzlement when he committed suicide.
He hanged himself on April 9 just hours before a court hearing that would have determined the legality of his arrest. (Yonhap)
