The state military acquisition agency will expand a corruption report system to allow non-employees to file a report, officials said.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration said that it will allow ordinary citizens to report corruption cases through the internet starting from Wednesday. It also plans to offer up to 20 million won ($17,167) in rewards to those who file reports.

DAPA has so far received corruption reports from its staff through its internal system.

The move is part of efforts to stamp out corruption in defense contracts. In August, a DAPA employee was caught for bribery, which prompted calls for stricter anti-corruption measures.

DAPA officials also said that when public servants file a report on corruption, it will pay special attention to ensure that he or she will not suffer any disadvantages after the report has been registered. It plans to give them an advantage in terms of their promotion or position assignments.

Another measure to remove corruption within the agency is to carry out what it calls the “Peer Review” under which its employees evaluate the integrity level of each other regularly. DAPA plans to give special education to those who get the lowest grade in the evaluation.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)