The Seoul metropolitan government in South Korea has launched an anti-corruption campaign, vowing both givers and takers of bribes would be strictly punished, the Korea Herald reported on Friday.
"Those who accept gifts or treats valued over 30,000 won (32 U.S. dollars) from work-related people will be subject to the suspension," Seoul City inspector Chung Soon-koo said. "Those suspended will be relieved of their duties and will receive punishments such as pay cuts."
Under the anti-corruption measure, public servants are not allowed to receive meals, communication services or transportation services valued at over 30,000 won.
The city government said it will press criminal charges against officials who grant illegal or improper favors in exchange for kickbacks.
Companies involved in bribing public officials will not be allowed to bid for city government projects for up to two years. Builders charged with bribery will be prohibited from doing business for up to a year.
Officials who accept bribes worth 1 million won (1,067 U.S. dollar) or more will face criminal charges, the city government said. Previously, the minimum limit for criminal charges was 5 million won (5,336 U.S. dollars).
Seoul City also said anyone who reports corruption among public officials could be rewarded with as much as 50 million won (53,362U.S. dollars), up from 10 million won (106,723 U.S. dollars). It plans to establish a direct hotline to the city inspector to make it easier for the informers and to better protect them.
"This year will be the start of our 'zero corruption' policy," Chung said. "We aim to make Seoul City the nation's cleanest local administration."
Seoul City was ranked the second-most corrupt among 16 local governments in a study by a government commission in 2006.
Source: Xinhua
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