South Korean Prosecutors Raid Unification Church Headquarters in Seoul Over Alleged Bribery

South Korean police and prosecutors raided the headquarters of the Unification Church in Seoul on Monday, and also searched the country residence of the church’s leader, Han Hak-ja. The movement, known internationally as the “Moon Sect,” is at the center of a scandal over alleged payments to lawmakers from both government and opposition parties. Investigators are looking into suspicions of bribery involving high-profile politicians.

Han, 82, already faces trial on allegations of bribing a former first lady with gifts including a Chanel bag and a diamond necklace. She was arrested in September on those charges. She has also been accused of bribing a lawmaker linked to former president Yoon Suk Yeol.

The church’s president said last week that the church feels “deeply responsible for causing concern to the public,” and acknowledged “its failure to detect inappropriate conduct within the organization early.” The source does not give further details of the statement.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has harshly criticized “political interference by a religion,” although he did not directly name the church, according to the report.

Members of Lee’s Democratic Party have also been implicated in the bribery scandal, the report said.

Ocean Affairs Minister Chun Jae-soo resigned last week after receiving 30 million won ($20,500) in cash, along with two luxury watches, from church members between 2018 and 2020. Chun has denied any wrongdoing. Accountability for public officials and honest dealing remain at the center of the inquiry, a matter that calls to mind the words of Proverbs 11:1 about honest weights and measures.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)