In the first trial regarding the breach of trust charges against private operators in the Daejang-dong case, considered the core of the Daejang-dong scandal, prosecutors requested a 12-year prison sentence for Kim Manbae, the major shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management, and a 7-year prison sentence along with a fine of 1.404 billion won for Yoo Donggyu, former head of planning at Seongnam Development Corporation. Prosecutors also asked the court to order the forfeiture of 611.2 billion won from Kim and 850 million won from former executive Yoo.
On June 27, the 22nd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Cho Hyungwoo) held the closing arguments for the first trial of Kim Manbae, former executive Yoo Donggyu, lawyers Nam Wook and Jung Minyong, accountant Jung Younghak, and other private operators who were indicted on charges including violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (bribery).
Previously, the private operators involved in the Daejang-dong project were brought to trial in October 2021 on charges of obtaining a total of 788.6 billion won in illicit profits by using inside information from Seongnam Development Corporation during the promotion of the Daejang-dong project from August 2014 to March 2015.
On this day, prosecutors stated, "The private operators obtained astronomical profits, while the losses were entirely passed on to local residents. Ultimately, public trust in the fairness and transparency of development projects has been damaged, and it is necessary for the defendants to face strict judgment under the law."
Regarding Kim Manbae, prosecutors said, "He was the key figure directly responsible for lobbying and the biggest beneficiary who obtained the largest profits. From the investigation stage through the trial, he has made explanations that are difficult to accept from a common-sense perspective, concealing his crimes and attempting to shift responsibility onto his accomplices."
Regarding former executive Yoo Donggyu, prosecutors stated, "He played a key role as the link who communicated with private operators and accepted their requests. As a public official, his responsibility for leading the crimes in this case cannot be considered light."
Prosecutors also requested a 10-year prison sentence and forfeiture of 64.7 billion won for accountant Jung Younghak; a 7-year prison sentence and forfeiture of 101.1 billion won for lawyer Nam Wook; and a 5-year prison sentence, a fine of 7.4 billion won, and forfeiture of 3.7 billion won for lawyer Jung Minyong.
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