[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] On the 13th, Yoo Sang-bong (74), a 'Hambak (construction site canteen) broker' accused of illegally interfering in the constituency election where independent lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun (57) ran during the April 15 general election, claimed that he "discussed with Lawmaker Yoon."
Yoo underwent a pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant review) at Incheon District Court at 7 p.m. on the same day on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act, and about an hour later, at around 8:16 p.m., he finished the hearing and was moved to a detention center.
During the transfer, when asked by reporters, "Is it true that you directly discussed election interference with Lawmaker Yoon?" he asserted the connection to the charges, saying, "Of course, we discussed it. That's why I wrote such a petition and so on." When asked, "Lawmaker Yoon's side denies it; do you have anything to say about that?" he emphasized the connection, saying, "Something must be wrong. Why would they deny it? We met four times. A proper investigation should be conducted."
Yoo is accused of filing a false complaint with the prosecution against Ahn Sang-soo (73), a member of the Future United Party (currently People Power Party), who was a competing candidate, to ensure the election of Lawmaker Yoon, who ran in the Incheon Dong-gu Michuhol constituency in the April general election.
At that time, Yoo claimed in the complaint submitted to the prosecution that "In 2009, when Ahn was serving as mayor of Incheon, he received tens of billions of won through mistresses as a reward for securing interests at construction sites."
Although Yoo was expected to undergo the warrant review on the 14th, the prosecution urged the court to expedite the hearing, so he was examined on the same day. The decision on detention is expected to be made late in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, Yoo was nicknamed the 'Hambak King' as he was repeatedly detained on charges of bribing police officials, public enterprise executives, and construction company executives or committing fraud using the operation rights of Hambak as bait since 2010.
Yoo's son and Lawmaker Yoon's Grade 4 aide A (53), who face the same charges, were previously subjected to warrant reviews and have been detained.
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