[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] A broker, a former union executive who unfairly interfered in the selection of the redevelopment maintenance company for Gwangju Hakdong 4 District, where a collapse disaster occurred, received a reduced sentence in the appellate trial.
The Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Yoo Hyo-young) overturned the original sentence of 3 years and 6 months imprisonment and sentenced Lee (62), who was detained and prosecuted on charges including bribery after fraudulent acts, to 2 years imprisonment in the appellate trial.
The fine of 210 million KRW was maintained as is.
Lee was indicted on charges of receiving 210 million KRW from two related companies under the pretext of helping secure contracts for the removal of obstacles and maintenance infrastructure projects ordered by the union twice in July and September 2019, in collusion with Moon Heung-sik (61).
It was investigated that through four brokers including Lee and Moon, bid-rigging activities (including false bidding) took place, where they did not actually participate in the construction but only took shares, which significantly reduced the construction costs and led to poor demolition.
The court ruled, "The defendant's crime severely damaged the social trust in the fairness of the execution of duties related to the maintenance project, and the nature of the crime is very serious."
However, it added, "Considering comprehensively that the defendant admitted the crime at this trial level and appears to be reflecting on his wrongdoing, returned the fine of 210 million KRW, and that some of the money may have been paid to Moon Heung-sik."
Meanwhile, on June 9 last year, a building (5 floors above ground, 1 basement floor) being demolished in Hakdong 4 District collapsed toward the road, covering a city bus and causing 17 casualties (9 deaths and 8 injuries).
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