Huh Kyung-young Faces Additional Detention on Fraud and Molestation Charges a Day Before Release... Accused of 1 Million Won Fraud

Court Cites "Concern About Destruction of Evidence"
Detention Period May Be Extended Up to 12 Months
Huh Kyung-young's Side Strongly Denies Charges

Huh Kyung-young, Honorary Representative of the National Revolutionary Party, who is currently on trial after being detained on charges including fraud against followers and quasi-forcible molestation, was issued an additional detention warrant one day before his original detention period was set to expire.

On December 9, the 11th Criminal Division of the Uijeongbu District Court (Presiding Judge Oh Changseop) issued an additional detention warrant for Huh, who has been indicted on charges of fraud, embezzlement, violation of the Political Funds Act, and quasi-forcible molestation. The court explained the reason for the detention, stating, "There is a concern about the destruction of evidence."

Huh Kyung-young, Honorary Representative of the National Revolutionary Party. Yonhap News.

According to the Criminal Procedure Act, the maximum period of detention during the first trial is six months, so Huh's original detention was set to expire on December 10. However, prosecutors recently filed an additional indictment for fraud, alleging that in February 2021, Huh deceived a victim by claiming to "control fortune and misfortune" and obtained 1 million won. If a defendant is indicted for another case or charge and the necessity of detention is recognized, the detention period can be extended through a court review.

The court merged the new case with the existing one and issued a separate detention warrant. The court stated that it needed to consider the overall flow of the cases and, given the defendant's previous disputes and history, there was a concern about the destruction of evidence.

With this additional warrant, the detention period for the newly indicted case is added to the original six-month period, meaning Huh's total detention could be extended to a maximum of 12 months.

During the trial that morning, Huh's defense attorneys requested that the court proceed without detention, given the expiration of the original detention period. Upon the issuance of the new warrant, they strongly protested, stating, "We deny the charges." Huh's defense argued, "There was no investigation for the newly indicted case, and the premise that 1 million won was paid as a result of deception is difficult to establish." They also stated, "The money in question has already been refunded, and a repayment deposit has been made."

They further argued, "It is highly unusual for an additional detention warrant to be issued in such cases according to judicial precedent," and added, "Even in cases involving insurrection or state corruption, this is not how proceedings are handled. We ask that the process be carried out according to proper principles."

Meanwhile, during the trial, witness examinations of both the defendant's witness and the victim related to the fraud and quasi-forcible molestation charges were conducted in a closed session.

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