Search and Seizure of Companies Related to Contracts in the 'Gwangju Building Collapse Disaster'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Regarding the Gwangju building collapse disaster that resulted in 17 casualties, the police have launched a strong investigation into corruption related to the demolition contract.

The Anti-Corruption Economic Crime Investigation Unit of the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency executed simultaneous search warrants on the morning of the 18th at about 10 locations, including the office of the Hakdong 4 District Housing Redevelopment Maintenance Project Association in Dong-gu, Gwangju, Dong-gu Office, and Gwangju Regional Labor Office.

The police are investigating the Gwangju Labor Office, which has overall management responsibility, as it is believed that there were issues during the asbestos removal process in the demolition work.

The Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit of the investigation headquarters has so far booked nine people, two of whom overlap with seven people previously booked by the Violent Crime Investigation Unit.

Hyundai Development Company, the construction company, stated that there was no subcontracting, but some evidence was found that Hansol, which signed the first contract, subcontracted to Baeksol, a local company.

The police plan to closely examine the relationships between the companies involved in the demolition work and any corrupt activities related to their contracts by analyzing the secured materials.

Meanwhile, on the 9th, a five-story building under demolition in the Hakdong redevelopment area of Dong-gu, Gwangju, completely collapsed, burying a city bus on the road under the debris. This accident resulted in nine deaths and eight serious injuries.

The police have formed an investigation headquarters and have booked 14 people so far, continuing their investigation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.