'Yoo Dong-gyu Mobile Phone' Recovery Work Early Next Week...Focus on 'Last Caller'

Yoo Dong-gyu, former Planning Director of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation and a key figure in the 'Daejang-dong Development Project Special Favoritism' allegations, was taken to Seoul Detention Center by a transport vehicle after undergoing a detention hearing (warrant review) on charges including violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (breach of trust) at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 3rd.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The police are expected to carry out data recovery and analysis of the mobile phone belonging to Yoo Dong-gyu, the former Planning Director of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation and a key figure in the Daejang-dong development lobbying and preferential treatment allegations case in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, early next week.

The Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency's dedicated investigation team announced on the 22nd that they are coordinating schedules with Yoo's side to proceed with the data recovery and analysis of Yoo's mobile phone. It is reported that this work is highly likely to take place early next week.

Digital forensics refers to an investigative technique that analyzes information from digital media such as mobile phones and computers to find clues related to crimes. To prevent any arbitrary manipulation by investigative agencies during the forensic process, all procedures are conducted in the presence of the media owner’s representatives.

Previously, on the 29th of last month, when the prosecution came to conduct a search and seizure at Yoo's residence, he attempted to conceal evidence by throwing his mobile phone out of the window on the 9th floor. The police found the phone, sent it to the Digital Forensic Center of the National Police Agency’s Criminal Investigation Headquarters, repaired the damaged parts, and completed the imaging process to transfer and secure the data stored on the phone as is.

Following the procedures, the dedicated investigation team, having received the phone, expects the data recovery and analysis to proceed quickly since Yoo's side provided the phone password as a form of cooperation with the investigation.