An opposition lawmaker alleged Tuesday that Choi Soon-sil, the scandal-ridden confidante to President Park Geun-hye, illicitly helped Lockheed Martin Corp. of the United States win South Korean defense projects.

Rep. An Min-suk of the Democratic Party said the defense company bankrolled a study abroad trip for the children of a Korean national security official some years ago. The figure in return introduced Choi to the firm, the lawmaker said during an interview with MBC Radio.

"I have received a credible tip-off from a military source," An said, adding he will present the matter during the planned parliamentary hearings on the scandal surrounding Choi, who is accused of exerting significant influence on state affairs. 

A spokesperson from Lockheed Martin's Seoul office denied the allegations, saying the company staff neither met Choi nor consulted her on any projects.

"Lockheed Martin maintains the highest ethical standards and is committed to compliance with, and requires its employees to comply with, the international trade laws and regulations of the United States and each foreign country in which the corporation does business," the company said. (Yonhap)