The police have launched a full-scale investigation into Pastor Jun Kwang-hoon and Sarang Jeil Church over allegations of illegal political funding.
The Anti-Corruption Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is conducting a search and seizure operation at Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, this morning (June 25) on charges of violating the Political Funds Act.
Sarang Jeil Church is suspected of illegally donating approximately 10.2 billion won in political funds to the Freedom Unification Party, led by Pastor Jun, on 31 separate occasions between 2020 and the first half of last year.
Although the funds were provided in the form of loan agreements, the Freedom Unification Party has reportedly repaid almost none of the principal or interest.
The National Election Commission determined that this was a case of illegal political donations disguised as loans.
Consequently, the commission filed a complaint last year against six individuals, including Pastor Jun, on charges of violating the Political Funds Act and professional malpractice and embezzlement.
The Political Funds Act prohibits domestic and foreign corporations and organizations from donating political funds.
The law also prohibits the donation of political funds using money associated with corporations or organizations.
(Photo: Yonhap News)