The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office said Thursday that it has decided not to indict an incumbent prosecutor who was suspected of taking kickbacks from a businessman.

The prosecutor was placed under internal inspection for allegedly receiving 17 million won ($16,500) in bribes from a businessman, who was reportedly murdered by an associate of a Seoul City councilor in a contract killing.

The prosecution, however, said it is hard to pass down criminal punishment even though the authority found that the prosecutor took some money. The office added that the money involved was not 17 million won but 8 million.

Instead of indicting the suspect, the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office said it would ask the Ministry of Justice to dismiss him from his duties.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)