Professor arrested for alleged humidifier sterilizer report distortion

Prosecutors have combed research labs and homes of professors at Seoul National University and Hoseo University on Wednesday during its probe into deaths and diseases case caused by humidifier sterilizers produced by Oxy Reckitt Benckiser. The professors have allegedly taken bribes and distorted lab test results that initially showed the humidifier sterilizers could harm users. A Seoul National University professor was arrested without warrant at his veterinary medicine research office and was probed as a suspect.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office has obtained test materials including computer hard disc and research records after seizing research offices of both professors at their respective universities as well as their homes.

Prosecutors are suspecting that the professors were requested by Oxy and carried out tests on condition that the results come out distorted. They allegedly wrote a research report that the cause relationship between sterilizers and lung damage is uncertain. Oxy offered 250 million won (216,356 U.S. dollars) to Seoul National University as research costs, and 100 million won (86,542 dollars) to Hoseo University. Prosecutors additionally found out that the professors received tens of millions of won (more than 10,000 dollars) in their personal bank accounts.

Prosecutors investigated whether Oxy controlled test conditions as to churn out necessary results before the test of toxic material inhalation experiment took place. Others include whether the data were manipulated in the report, and whether the money they were given came with strings attached. If it is found that the for-favor bribery was made, the Seoul National University professor, who is a civil servant since the university is a national college, will be charged for bribe accepting, and the Hoseo University professor for malpractice since he is from a private university.

Prosecutors are examining whether to request for an arrest warrant on the Seoul National University professor by Thursday at the earliest after the probe ends.

"The investigation team got more members to take a two-track approach, first probing into Oxy's responsibility for manufacturing and selling humidifier sterilizers, while investigating proof manipulation and hiding after some deaths in 2011.

신나리기자 journari@donga.com