Court Denies Yudonggyu's Detention Review... "Arrest Warrant Issuance Lawful, Continued Detention Necessary"

On the 3rd, after completing the warrant hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, Yoodonggyu, former Planning Director of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation, is heading to Seoul Detention Center by transport vehicle.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, Legal Affairs Specialist] The request for a detention review filed by Yoo Dong-gyu, former Planning Director of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation and a key figure in the 'Daejang-dong Development Project preferential treatment and lobbying' allegations, was rejected.

On the 19th, from 2:20 PM to 3:20 PM, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Appeals Division 8-3 (Presiding Judges Jang Yoon-seon, Kim Ye-young, Jang Seong-hak) conducted the detention review hearing for former Director Yoo and dismissed his request around 10:20 PM that day.

The court stated the reason for dismissal as "the issuance of the arrest warrant was lawful, and it is recognized that there is a need to continue the detention."

During the hearing, Yoo’s defense reportedly challenged the legal basis of the embezzlement charges claiming that he caused a loss of about 100 billion won to Seongnam City. They also reportedly disputed the amount of embezzlement calculated by the prosecution.

Regarding the bribery charges, the defense argued that the prosecution lacked concrete evidence proving whether actual money was received and whether there was a quid pro quo.

Former Director Yoo was detained on charges including embezzlement under the Specific Economic Crimes Act for excluding the excess profit recovery clause when designing the profit distribution structure of the Daejang-dong development project, which resulted in large profits going to private businesses and corresponding losses to Seongnam City, as well as bribery charges for receiving 800 million won, including 500 million won from Hwacheon Daeyu.

Initially, the prosecution planned to indict Yoo by the 20th, when his detention period expires, but due to Yoo’s detention review request, the indictment timing is expected to be delayed by a day or two.