S KOREA PROSECUTORS SEEK TO ARREST EX-PRESIDENT LEE

SEOUL: Prosecutors said Monday they are seeking the arrest of former President Lee Myung-bak over corruption allegations-

On the grounds he might destroy evidence if not detained.

Lee, the several of several ex-leaders to be embroiled in a criminal inquiry, is being investigated for multiple cases of bribery amounting to millions of dollars.

The 76 year-old, who served from 2008 to 2013, faced a marathon interrogation by prosecutors last week, during which he denied most of the accusations he faced.

The Seoul prosecutors' office investigating the case said  Monday it had officially asked the court to order Lee's formal arrest.

''Each accusation he faces is a significant offence that requires formal arrest,'' Yonhap and multiple other media quoted an unidentified senior prosecutor as saying.

''We believe that there is a high risk of possible destruction of evidence [if Lee is not taken under custody], the official said.

The court is expected to make a decision later this week.

If it approves the arrest, Lee will be the fourth surviving former South Korean leader to be detained over corruption.'' [Agencies].