By Kim Jae-heun
Lee Si-hyung, former President Lee Myung-bak's son, is expected to be called as a witness in the trial of Lee Byeong-mo, scheduled to start May 14.
Lee Byeong-mo, secretary general of Cheonggye Foundation, allegedly managed the former president's assets. Former president founded the charity organization.
A lawyer representing Lee Byeong-mo said in a preliminary hearing, Monday, seven witnesses including Lee's son will be requested to appear at the trial.
Prosecutors said if some of their witnesses are the same as those chosen by Lee's lawyers, they will not call them up for the trial, but instead will cross examine them.
The prosecution did not disclose its list of witnesses.
Lee Byeong-mo is charged with dereliction of duty as he allegedly granted loans worth 4 billion won to Lee Si-hyung.
He is also suspected of destroying evidence including the former president's records of his property purchases under a false name.
Lee Byeong-mo has already admitted ex-President Lee was the owner of land in Dogok-dong, which he later sold to invest in scandal-ridden auto parts company, DAS.
Former President Lee is said to be the de facto owner of DAS.
If this is true, prosecutors said they will able to prove the 16 charges filed against the former president.