The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has accused Google of obstructing its investigations into the company's alleged anticompetitive practice of making smartphone makers favor its search engine on Android-powered devices, and is considering imposing the maximum fine on the Web giant.

According to a recent report by South Korean news agency Hankook Ilbo, Google had "methodically" interfered with the agency's inquisition by deleting files from its computers and intructing its employees to work from home when officials raided the office last September. Citing Kim Dong-Soo, chairman of the KFTC, the report said the agency was considering if it should impose the maximum fine of 200 million Korean won (US$171, 800) for hindering its work.