Probe opens into possible Nobel bribery

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Authorities say they are looking into possible bribery charges involving members of three Swedish Nobel committees who got free trips to China.

Members of the Nobel committees for natural science -- medicine, physics and chemistry -- acknowledged they accepted the Chinese government's invitation to talk about what it takes to win a Nobel prize.

Public prosecutor Nils-Erik Schultz is leading the investigation, which he says is not centered on any individual but rather "a set of procedures."

The trips took place in March of 2006 and last January with the Chinese government paying for flights, hotels, and meals.

Even the representatives themselves reportedly acknowledge that taking the trips was a risky endeavor but doubt it would have any effect on choosing winners.