Police requested the warrant last month on possible charges of breach of trust, but the prosecution turned down their request citing that further investigation is needed to substantiate the charges.

The 68-year-old was questioned by police last month. He has denied any wrongdoing, saying he had no knowledge of the misappropriation.

The allegations were raised during a separate police investigation into possible tax fraud by an interior renovation company that works largely for business conglomerates.

In early July, police investigators raided the airline's headquarters in western Seoul and confiscated accounting books and contract documents. (Yonhap)