Businessman Close to Yoon Woo-jin Involved in 600 Million Won Bribery Case Sentenced to Prison in Second Trial

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] A businessman close to former Yongsan Tax Office chief Yoon Woo-jin, who was indicted on charges of receiving bribes worth around 600 million KRW, was sentenced to prison again in the second trial.

The 5-3 Criminal Appeals Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Jung Deok-su, Choi Byung-ryul, Won Jeong-sook) sentenced Choi, who was indicted for violating the Attorney-at-Law Act, to three years in prison, the same as in the first trial, and ordered the confiscation of 640 million KRW.

Choi, who was close to former chief Yoon, is accused of receiving 645 million KRW from two people, including Mr. A, who was engaged in real estate development around Yeongjongdo, Incheon, from November 2015 to March 2018, under the pretext of lobbying for various permits and approvals. The prosecution believes that Choi delivered a 100 million KRW check from this amount to former chief Yoon.

The court stated, "Although Choi claims to have been in a partnership with the real estate developers, the land development shares he received appear to be compensation for mediation and lobbying involving public officials related to the business." However, regarding the charge of conspiring with former chief Yoon to receive 100 million KRW, the court did not accept it, saying, "It cannot be ruled out that Choi paid former chief Yoon under the pretext of repaying a loan."

Meanwhile, former chief Yoon is undergoing a first trial in another court on charges of receiving money and valuables from Mr. A under the pretext of facilitating requests to tax authorities between 2017 and 2018. Former chief Yoon is the brother of former prosecutor Yoon Dae-jin.

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