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.