The independent probe team looking into an influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye said Friday they need to raid the presidential office. 

State prosecutors had attempted a shakedown a couple of times, but were denied entry into the offices of key presidential aides involved in the affair due to security reasons. Instead, Cheong Wa Dae submitted some of the documents demanded.

The independent counsel team, after reviewing the investigation materials handed over from the state prosecutors, came to think that it is necessary to search and secure evidence from the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, its spokesman Lee Kyu-chul told a press briefing.

"A number of warrants have been issued for the search (during prosecutors' investigation), but (the previous attempts) for their execution have been continuously rejected (by the presidential office)," he said. "We are reviewing relevant laws to see if we can (raid the office)."

President Park Geun-hye waits for the top court's ruling on her impeachment over her alleged involvement in the massive corruption scheme that has been roiling the country since late October.

The team led by independent counsel Park Young-soo is accelerating the preparation for the investigation, which will last for 70 days after the official launch set for next week. He has an additional 20 days for preparation and the probe can be extended for another month.

Park was impeached by parliament last Friday over suspicions she let her friend Choi Soon-sil influence state affairs and amass profits using her ties to the president.

Lee said the special probe team is discussing with the prosecution on whether to accept the court's request to submit investigation materials to deliberate on the parliament's decision to oust Park. 

Under the country's law, the Constitutional Court can request materials necessary to make a ruling on government bodies or public institutions but is prohibited from demanding records on cases under investigation. (Yonhap)