Shincheonji dogged by embezzlement allegations over legal defense fund to protect founder
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The Shincheonji Church of Jesus raised about 17 billion won ($12 million) from its followers to defend its founder, Lee Man-hee, as he faced criminal investigations tied to the Covid-19 outbreak and alleged financial crimes, according to prosecutorial records reviewed by the JoongAng Ilbo.
Allegations by former Shincheonji members and people familiar with the investigation suggest that a significant portion of the funds may have been diverted for political lobbying. Investigators could broaden a joint prosecutors–police task force inquiry into alleged corruption and collusion involving the Christian fringe group if the claims are substantiated.
The 17 billion won was ostensibly used to assemble a legal defense team and support efforts to mitigate Lee’s legal exposure after authorities launched investigations into his conduct during the early stages of the pandemic, including alleged violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act and embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes.
The church began raising funds for Lee’s defense in July 2020, according to a prosecutorial decision not to indict Lee on embezzlement charges reviewed by the JoongAng Ilbo on Sunday.
Covid-19 quarantine efforts, including by concealing the identities of Shincheonji members.
After questioning Lee twice, prosecutors sought an arrest warrant, which a court approved on Aug. 1, 2020. Shincheonji continued fund-raising even after Lee was taken into custody, collecting donations for nine months through March 2021 and amassing about 17 billion won.
Donations routed through senior members
When the fund-raising began, several senior Shincheonji officials, including former Secretary General Ko Dong-an, had also been indicted. In response, leaders of the church’s 12 “tribes” — factions that oversee specific regions — convened an emergency meeting and decided to collect donations under the stated purpose of covering legal fees and living expenses.
Rather than using official church accounts, the group directed donations to personal bank accounts held by senior members, including a Kookmin Bank account under the name of an executive identified by the surname Tan and a Hana Bank account under the name Im.
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