South Korea’s SK Shipping has been reportedly investigated by the local authorities for tax evasion, but the company has denied any wrongdoings, the local media reported.

The Korean shipowner confirmed the probe by the National Tax Service (NTS), but claimed that it is just a regular check.

“The tax authorities’ move appears to be part of the regular tax audit of our company,” SK Shipping spokesman Hong Chang-hyo told The Korea Herald. “We are giving necessary documents to the tax authorities and are also holding meetings to respond to their questions.”

The tax investigation, which started on 25 February, is expected to carry on until mid-May.

The Korea Herald claimed that the shipping unit under SK Group is being conducted by the NTS’ fourth division, which specialises in large companies’ tax evasion cases.

NTS has declined to comment on the probe, the news report said.