Former Geumsansa abbot referred again to prosecutors over alleged illegal receipt of state subsidies in 'temple construction corruption' case

[Financial News] The former abbot of Geumsansa, the headquarters temple of the 17th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, who is on trial for allegedly giving the current abbot 100 million won in kickbacks to secure temple construction contracts, has also been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of wrongfully diverting state subsidies.
The Jeonbuk Police Agency's Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Investigation Unit said on the 9th that it had referred six people, including A, the former abbot of Geumsansa, to prosecutors without detention on charges including violating the Subsidy Management Act and fraud.
According to police, A and the others allegedly set up a construction company under the names of relatives and, while carrying out temple-related construction projects, falsified documents to make it appear that they had paid their required contributions properly, thereby diverting subsidies from the central and local governments.
A had been under investigation following a complaint by religious and civic groups after allegations of illegal wiretapping emerged at a nursing home in Gunsan where he was chairman. During the investigation, allegations of embezzlement and breach of trust came to light, and he is now in custody after being indicted on charges of embezzlement in the course of business and giving a bribe in breach of trust.
According to the indictment, A deceived people into thinking an employee actually worked at the paper construction company and embezzled about 270 million won in company funds for personal use. He is also accused of giving current abbot B 100 million won in cash alongside a request that he help secure a contract for temple construction funded by subsidies. B was also indicted without detention on suspicion of receiving the money in breach of trust and is standing trial alongside A.
At the first hearing held last August, A admitted all the charges, while B acknowledged the fact that he received money but denied the charges, saying, “There was no improper solicitation or intent to accept a bribe,” and indicating that he would contest the legal interpretation.


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