S. Korea Scientist Questioned in Fraud Probe

South Korean prosecutors questioned disgraced scientist Hwang Woo Suk for more than 10 hours Thursday and again today in their investigation of suspected criminal fraud over debunked papers on embryonic stem cells.

A Seoul National University investigation panel said in January that Hwang’s team had intentionally fabricated data in two landmark studies. He resigned his post at the university in December.

Hwang did not answer questions from reporters before entering the prosecutors’ office Thursday. His arrival was televised nationwide.

This is the first time Hwang has been questioned by prosecutors since they started their probe in January. They have already questioned more than 50 people involved in the research.

Prosecutors are investigating Hwang and his team on suspicion of the fraudulent use of state funds, which is punishable by up to 10 years in jail, as well as violation of bioethics laws in their procurement of human eggs for their studies.

Hwang’s research had raised hopes because it seemed to be the way toward genetically specific tissue being grown from embryonic stem cells to repair damaged organs or treat diseases such as Parkinson’s.

Hwang has said he is a victim of a conspiracy to defame him and has laid the blame for fraudulent data at the feet of junior researchers who were working for a fertility clinic.

Three other key researchers were questioned at the same time as Hwang.

Prosecutors were not immediately available to comment on the details of the questioning.

Authorities have raided dozens of facilities as part of the investigation and have twice visited Hwang’s home to seize material.

Just months ago, Hwang was considered a hero in South Korea for bringing the country to the forefront of stem cell and cloning research. He still has many fervent supporters who hold regular rallies asking for Hwang to be given another chance.

The U.S. journal Science said it had retracted two apparent landmark papers it published from Hwang’s team.