BBC Online :
Thousands of South Korean police have raided a religious compound in search of a fugitive billionaire wanted over April’s Sewol passenger ferry disaster.
Some 6,000 officers stormed the complex in Anseong city belonging to Yoo Byung-eun, who is thought to own the firm that operated the sunken ferry.
Four Church followers were detained on charges of assisting his escape.
At least 292 people died in the ferry disaster. Fifteen crew members went on trial over the deaths on Tuesday.
Ferry captain Lee Joon-seok, 69, and three others face the most serious charge of “homicide through wilful negligence”.
A separate trial of senior executives blamed for procedural lapses is due to start later this month.
Helicopters flew overheard as about 200 Church members rallied against the raid.
Some held up a large banner that read: “We’ll protect Yoo Byung-eun even if 100,000 Church members are all arrested.”
Police also said they are still trying to find and detain more Church members for allegedly aiding Yoo.
President Park Geun-Hye this week urged police and prosecutors to step up a nationwide manhunt for Mr Yoo.
“Yoo must be brought to justice,” Ms Park said.
Mr Yoo is wanted as part of an ongoing investigation into embezzlement and tax fraud.
Investigators are also questioning whether corruption or mismanagement within the ferry company led to poor safety standards.
