Unification Church Former Headquarters Chief Faces Arrest on the 30th Over 'Geonjin Monk's Request' Allegations

[Financial News] The decision on the arrest of Yeongho Yoon, the former head of the Unification Church World Headquarters, a key figure in the 'Geonjin Monk's Request' allegations, is expected to be made on the 30th at the earliest.
According to the legal community on the 28th, Judge Jaewook Jeong of the Seoul Central District Court, who is in charge of warrants, will conduct a pre-arrest interrogation (substantial warrant review) on the 30th at 10:30 AM for Yeon, who is charged with violating the Political Funds Act. The decision on the arrest is expected to be announced by the evening of the same day.
Previously, the special investigation team for Geonhee Kim (Special Prosecutor Jungki Min) requested an arrest warrant for Yeon on the 25th for charges including violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, embezzlement in business, and violation of the Political Funds Act.
Yeon is accused of delivering expensive diamond necklaces and luxury bags to Geonhee Kim through Seongbae Jeon, known as the Geonjin Monk, between April and August 2022, while soliciting Unification Church-related issues. The solicitation reportedly included support for the Mekong River development project in Cambodia, acquisition of YTN, domestic hosting of the UN's 5th office, and invitation to the presidential inauguration.
Yeon acknowledges the delivery of expensive items and solicitation activities but claims they were following instructions from higher-ups like Hakja Han, the president of the Unification Church. On the other hand, the Unification Church states that the actions were "personal deviations by Yeon."
Yeon is also suspected of having enlisted Unification Church believers as party members to support Congressman Seongdong Kwon during the People's Power Party convention in March 2023.
The special prosecutor searched Yeon's home and about 10 other locations, including the Unification Church's headquarters in Gapyeong, on the 18th and summoned Yeon as a suspect for questioning on the 22nd.
If the special prosecutor secures Yeon's custody, the investigation into the 'Geonjin Monk's Request' allegations is expected to gain significant momentum.

scottchoi15@fnnews.com Eunsol Choi, Reporter