The police caught a pharmaceutical firm bribing physicians by selling anesthesia drug propofol at a reduced price.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said Tuesday it booked the CEO of the drugmaker and 30 others for the violation of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. The police also booked 32 physicians and four hospital employees for breaching the Medical Service Act and planned to refer them to the prosecutors.

The company is suspected of providing 870 million won ($773,351) in illegal rebates by selling propofol at 10-30 percent discounted prices to 711 hospitals and clinics from July 2013 to December 2016.

Besides, the company allegedly provided hospitals with 100 million won worth syringe pumps for free, and created a double book as if the hospitals received the discounts in cash to hide the discount records.

The police also booked officials at 36 hospitals who received a hefty amount of illicit rebates or free items.

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