SEOUL -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak 's elder brother Lee Sang-deuk was sentenced to two years in jail for corruption, broadcaster YTN reported Thursday.

The former six-term lawmaker was also fined 750 million won ( $701,000) by a Seoul court for taking kickbacks from two local savings banks to help them avoid audits.

The 77-year-old, who has been in detention since last year over concerns he might attempt to destroy evidence against him, reportedly plans to appeal the verdict.

President Lee, whose five-year term ends next month, has yet to comment on the sentencing.