Former presidential policy advisor Byeon Yang-kyoon is under questioning for a fourth time in a continuing investigation into an influence-peddling scandal involving former Dongguk University professor Shin Jeong-ah.

Byeon was summoned to the Seoul Western Prosecutors' Office Saturday morning.

Investigators want to know if Byeon abused his power to provide state funds to a Buddhist temple in return for Shin's appointment as art professor of the Buddhist university. Shin is accused of getting the professorship with a forged Yale University doctorate degree.

Heungdeok Temple in Ulju County is headed by the Venerable Yeongbae, the chairman of the university's board of directors.

Prosecutors are also questioning officials of Ulju County to find out how the one-billion-won state subsidy was granted to the temple in South Gyeongsang Province.

The prosecution plans to request arrest warrants for Byeon and Shin next week after questioning over the weekend.

Earlier this week, the court rejected the prosecution's arrest warrants for the two, saying they don't pose a flight risk and that there is no concern of evidence destruction.

[Photo : ]