Shincheonji Ex-Official Accused of Embezzlement, Lobbying funds
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A former high-ranking official within the Shincheonji Church of Jesus is under investigation for allegedly misappropriating funds, including money intended for lobbying efforts, according to police sources. The investigation centers on accusations that Ko Dong-eun, once considered second-in-command within the religious movement, embezzled approximately 2.4 billion won (roughly $1.9 million USD).
Secret Meeting Allegations
A former Shincheonji branch leader, identified only as Mr. A, testified to police that a clandestine meeting took place in February 2020 on Yeongjong Island, shortly after Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee held a press conference addressing a COVID-19 outbreak linked to the church.
According to Mr. A’s statement, Ko Dong-eun instructed the 12 branch leaders present to raise funds for Lee Man-hee’s legal defense, as well as for lobbying judges, prosecutors, and politicians. The source stated that the request was made during a period of heightened scrutiny and public concern regarding the church’s role in the spread of the coronavirus.
Cash Demands and Internal Discord
Mr.A told investigators that Ko Dong-eun specifically requested the funds be collected in cash.”it’s a matter of personal trial, so don’t bring the church money, but collect some money from the saints with personal funds,” Mr.A quoted Ko Dong-eun as saying.
The branch leaders reportedly faced difficulties in collecting the money, given the financial strain many church members were experiencing due to the pandemic. Despite these challenges, Mr. A stated that approximately 2.1 billion won (around $1.6 million USD) was collected in cash during subsequent meetings in Daejeon and Incheon.
whistleblower Punished
Mr. A further testified that after reporting concerns about Ko Dong-eun’s financial dealings to Lee man-hee in December 2020, he was ultimately disciplined for ”disturbing the order” within the church in February 2023. Lee Man-hee, according to the testimony, did not take action against Ko Dong-eun at that time.
Official Expelled Later
Ko Dong-eun was eventually expelled from Shincheonji last year for separate instances of financial misconduct, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The investigation is ongoing.
Shincheonji Church Scandal: Q&A on Alleged Embezzlement and Lobbying
what is the Shincheonji Church of Jesus?
Based on the provided information, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus is a religious movement. The article doesn’t delve deeply into its background.
What is the core of the current investigation?
The core of the investigation centers on allegations of financial misconduct by a former high-ranking Shincheonji official, ko Dong-eun. He is accused of embezzling approximately 2.4 billion won (roughly $1.9 million USD).
Who is Ko Dong-eun?
Ko Dong-eun was a high-ranking official within the Shincheonji Church, once considered second-in-command. he’s the central figure accused of financial wrongdoing.
What specific actions is Ko Dong-eun accused of?
Ko Dong-eun is accused of misappropriating funds, including money allegedly intended for:
- Legal defense for Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee
- Lobbying judges, prosecutors, and politicians
- Embezzling approximately 2.4 billion won
Where and when did these events allegedly take place?
according to Mr. A’s testimony, a clandestine meeting occurred in February 2020 on Yeongjong Island. Subsequent cash collection meetings followed in Daejeon and Incheon.
What was the alleged purpose of the funds collection, according to witness testimony?
Mr. A testified that Ko Dong-eun instructed branch leaders to raise funds for Lee Man-hee’s legal defense and for lobbying efforts. The specific purpose was to raise funds for Lee Man-hee’s legal battle and also for potentially influencing officials.
How were the funds allegedly collected?
Ko Dong-eun specifically requested that the funds be collected in cash. Branch leaders then collected cash from church members. Approximately 2.1 billion won (around $1.6 million USD) was collected in cash.
What was the financial strain on church members during this time?
The article mentions that branch leaders faced difficulties collecting money due to the financial strain many church members were experiencing becuase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who is Lee Man-hee?
Lee Man-hee is the leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
What happened to a whistleblower who reported concerns about Ko Dong-eun’s actions?
Mr. A, a former branch leader, reported concerns about Ko Dong-eun’s financial dealings to Lee Man-hee in December 2020. Though,he was ultimately disciplined in February 2023 for “disturbing the order” within the church. Lee Man-hee reportedly did not take any action against Ko Dong-eun at that time.
Was Ko Dong-eun ever punished?
Yes.Ko Dong-eun was eventually expelled from Shincheonji last year for separate instances of financial misconduct, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, the investigation is currently ongoing.
What is the significance of the timing of the alleged fundraising?
The fundraising request was made shortly after a Shincheonji leader, lee Man-hee, held a press conference addressing a COVID-19 outbreak linked to the church. The request for funds occurred during a period of heightened scrutiny and public concern regarding the church’s role in the spread of the coronavirus.
Summary of Key Accusations and Events:
Here is a concise table summarizing the key aspects of the Shincheonji investigation:
| aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Ko Dong-eun, former high-ranking official (second-in-command) |
| Alleged Amount Embezzled | Approximately 2.4 billion won (around $1.9 million USD) |
| Purpose of Funds | Legal defense for Lee Man-hee, lobbying officials |
| Method of Collection | Cash collected from church members, specifically requested by Ko Dong-eun |
| Events Timeline | Clandestine meeting in February 2020. Mr. A reported concerns in December 2020, disciplined in February 2023. Ko dong-eun expelled last year. |
| Whistleblower Outcome | Mr. A was disciplined. |
| Current Status | Investigation is ongoing. |
