The prosecution has sought an arrest warrant against a Seoul-based immigration official who allegedly took kickbacks from foreign nationals in exchange for visa extensions, officials said Monday, marking the first such case.

The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office said that the 42-year-old official, identified only by his surname Kim is alleged to have issued or extended the visas for about 20 people in return for a total of 11 million won ($10,100) between February 2013 and December last year.

He was working at the Justice Ministry’s immigration office in southern Seoul.

The prosecution launched the probe after the immigration office found out Kim’s wrongdoings during an internal inspection, officials said.

During the prosecutorial probe, Kim reportedly contradicted himself. He initially said he falsified visa documents for the foreigners, but later went back on his words, saying that false information was “mistakenly” written on the documents. He is also reported to have denied accepting any bribes.

Investigators also booked a 32-year-old female broker who had allegedly introduced Kim to foreigners seeking visa extensions.

The broker, whose name was withheld from the media, purportedly retained a commission and handed over the remaining money she took from expats to Kim, they added. The prosecution has secured the evidence of money transfers between Kim and the broker, sources said.

Meanwhile, the ministry discussed ways to toughen the punishments for those who falsify visa documents.

Foreigners who provide false information for the stay permit will be sentenced to three years in jail or fined up to 20 million won along with deportation.

Calls for a stronger penalty have mounted, as the maximum fine for falsely filling out the stay permit form was limited to just 500,000 won.

By Lee Hyun-jeong  (rene@heraldcorp.com)