Police investigating allegations that the Unification Church provided money and valuables to politicians summoned and questioned a key figure who managed the sect's funds for about 10 hours. Police were said to have focused on how the funds mobilized for lobbying were formed and executed, and whether higher-ups were involved.
The Korean National Police Agency's special task force questioned a person surnamed Cho, who served as secretary-general of the Unification Church's world headquarters, as a reference witness from 9 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. on the 23rd. Police were said to have pressed Cho on how the alleged lobbying funds for the political sphere were raised and executed, and on the possibility of involvement by President Han Hak-ja.
Police in particular were said to have intensely questioned indications that the lobbying funds flowed to former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Chun Jae-soo's side, who faces allegations including bribery. They also put on the docket suspicions of organized political donations at the Unification Church level, and in the process were said to have examined whether there was a link to the former Minister.
The former Minister was said to deny allegations that around 2018 the Unification Church side provided 20 million won in cash and a Bulgari watch worth about 10 million won. The argument was also made that even if any funds were received, they were not illegal funds but fell within the scope of lawful political donations.
Before the questioning, Cho told reporters that the world headquarters had never directly executed the related budget. After the questioning, Cho held back, saying it was currently investigating and could not comment. However, when asked whether Cho had received reports on or signed off on budget execution related to politicians, Cho denied it, saying, "There can be no such thing."
Cho, who was removed from the post in March, issued a position expressing frustration over the overall suspicions surrounding the Unification Church. While saying that if anything in violation of the law is confirmed, an apology and legal responsibility are necessary, Cho argued that excessive trial by public opinion is continuing.
While serving as secretary-general, Cho oversaw cash inflows and outflows as the direct superior of a person surnamed Lee, the finance director of the general affairs office and the spouse of former world headquarters chief Yoon Young-ho. Yoon, the former chief, was said to have held final approval authority over educational fund execution.
Police plan to meet and question President Han Hak-ja, who is being held in custody, and former chief Yoon on the 24th. President Han also underwent a roughly three-hour meeting and questioning on the 17th.