Prosecutors raided Dong-A Pharmaceutical Wednesday as part of an investigation into suspicions that the largest drug company in Korea bribed hospital officials to purchase of its products.

Investigators confiscated transaction records, accounting documents, and computer hard drives from the firm in Seoul.

The investigative team was tipped off that the firm had provided illicit favors to officials at hospitals, clinics and drug stores through agencies.

Dong-A Pharmaceutical was called an innovative drug firm in June by the government.

Management transparency and social responsibility account for 10 percent of the screening process to be named an innovative drug firm. But the title is canceled if the firm is convicted of receiving any illegal kickbacks.

Benefits including tax deduction and financial support are given to the entitled drug companies.

Currently, 15 of the nation’s 43 innovative drug firms are on trial for charges such as financial favors, Rep. Kim Sung-ju of the Democratic United Party said in an audit session earlier this month.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)