Exclusive: CIO Targets Special Counsel in Unification Church Probe

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A Major Development in the Unification Church Case

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has launched a criminal investigation against Min Joong-ki, the special counsel overseeing the Unification Church case. This marks a significant shift in the ongoing probe, following allegations that Min failed to act on critical information provided by a Unification Church official.

The raid took place on the 26th, with investigators from the CIO’s Investigation Division 4, led by Chief Cha Jeong-hyeon, visiting Min's office located in the West Tower of the KT Gwanghwamun Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The goal was to secure materials related to how the special counsel handled the Unification Church case. According to reports, Min was listed as a suspect in the court-issued warrant. However, his residence, mobile phone, and the prosecution building where the dispatched prosecutor is based were not included in the raid.

This development comes just a week after the initial probe began, signaling a growing concern over the handling of the case. The CIO is expected to verify the legality of Min’s four-month inaction, which occurred after securing testimony from Yun Young-ho, the former head of the Unification Church’s global headquarters. Additional raids and summonses are planned to gather more evidence.

Key Allegations and Inaction

Min’s investigation team received a statement from Yun Young-ho during an interview last August. In this statement, Yun claimed to have delivered tens of millions of won in money and goods to ruling party lawmakers, including Democratic Party lawmaker Chun Jae-soo and former lawmaker Im Jong-seong. He also mentioned that he gave gifts to Kweon Seong-dong, a People Power Party lawmaker, and Jeon Seong-bae, a shaman known as Geonjin.

Despite this information, both Min and the assistant special counsel reportedly took no action, citing that the individuals involved were outside the scope of the investigation under the Act on the Appointment of Special Prosecutors, etc. The records were only transferred to the National Police Agency National Office of Investigation on the 9th, four months after Yun publicly revealed the allegations during his trial. This delay sparked widespread controversy and criticism.

Political Response and Legal Proceedings

In response to these events, the People Power Party filed a complaint with the police on the 11th, accusing Min and the assistant special counsel of dereliction of duty. However, the police transferred the case to the CIO on the 16th, stating that “prosecutors under investigation must be handled by the CIO under relevant laws.” The CIO officially assigned the case on the 19th and conducted an interview with Yun at the Seoul Detention Center on the 23rd.

This series of actions highlights the complexity of the situation and raises questions about the transparency and efficiency of the investigative process. The CIO’s involvement suggests that the matter is being taken seriously, and further developments are likely as the investigation continues.

Ongoing Implications

The case has significant implications for the political landscape in South Korea. The Unification Church has been a focal point of public scrutiny, particularly due to its connections with various political figures. The allegations of financial misconduct and lack of proper investigation have fueled public outrage and calls for accountability.

As the CIO continues its probe, the focus will remain on whether Min and his team acted appropriately in their handling of the case. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching consequences, not only for those directly involved but also for the integrity of the legal and political systems in the country.

With the investigation still ongoing, the next steps will be crucial in determining the extent of any wrongdoing and ensuring that justice is served. The public will be watching closely as the CIO works to uncover the truth behind these serious allegations.