A prosecution official has announced that a senior opposition lawmaker was being questioned Wednesday on his alleged illegal fundraising activities during the 2002 presidential election period.

Earlier in the day, Rep. Shin Kyung-shik of the Grand National Party (GNP) appeared for questioning at the Supreme Public Prosecutor's Office.

Shin, who was in charge of campaign planning for GNP presidential candidate Lee Hoi-chang, is suspected of illegally taking 1 billion won (US$850,000) from the Lotte Group in early December, 2002.

Appearing before the prosecution, Shin said if he were confirmed to have violated any laws, he would willingly receive punishment.

The prosecution is trying to determine whether or not Lotte Chairman Shin Kyuk-ho was involved in the alleged illicit payments.

Prosecutors also said they had found evidence that Shin had spent a considerable amount of the illegal funds from Lotte on personal use, adding that if such charges are confirmed, the prosecution would seek his arrest.

The prosecution also plans to soon summon Busan-based politicians and senior officials at the Busan metropolitan government for questioning on allegations that they accepted bribes from a local transportation company in return for business favors.