Military investigates leak of sensitive information

By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's military is investigating a suspected
leak of confidential arms program information and is questioning members of a
related agency, officials said Tuesday.
Investigators said they have confirmed that a local defense firm obtained
classified military documents over the last few years, and that employees at the
Defense Acquisition and Program Administration (DAPA) were being probed in the
case.
The investigation into the firm was initially launched due to suspicions that it
evaded some 7 billion won (US$5.3 million) in taxes. Officials said three people
from DAPA are now also being questioned, but that all have denied involvement.
"We are analyzing the firm's documents," said Won Tae-jae, spokesman for the
defense ministry. "If confidential or secret documents were leaked, military
prosecutors will examine the case. Otherwise, local prosecutors will take
charge."
The alleged leaks are said to include sensitive information on the Korea
Helicopter Program and the so-called "Brown Bear" project, which details Russia's
plan to repay debts to South Korea with arms, according to the officials.
The minutes of DAPA's internal meetings were also released without authorization,
they said.
"Although the materials involved are not marked classified, they are not for
external use and are valuable enough to warrant protection," one official said.
"What has occurred is punishable by law."
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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