The second special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, is probing allegations that the police covered up an investigation into overseas gambling linked to the Unification Church. On May 29, the team announced that it conducted raids on the residences and offices of four individuals, including former Police Chief Yoon Hee-keun and former Gangwon Police Chief Kim Do-hyung, the day prior.
The special investigation team executed search warrants based on allegations of abuse of power and breach of confidentiality. However, they did not disclose the specific charges against each suspect.
Yoon is currently identified as a suspect in the investigation.
The special investigation team is looking into claims that the police were aware of allegations involving Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja and other officials engaging in overseas gambling but failed to pursue a formal investigation. Reports indicate that in 2022, the police received a tip from an insider suggesting that Han had been gambling abroad using church members' cash and subsequently prepared an intelligence report.
Although this report was classified as a top-priority alert, it was never assigned as a formal case, leading the special investigation team to suspect a potential cover-up.
The team is particularly focused on evidence suggesting that the Unification Church received information about the investigation before it officially began. Previously released recordings involving former Unification Church leader Yoon Young-ho reportedly include comments advising to prepare for possible raids and indicating that the police's awareness of the investigation was communicated by influential figures.
Earlier, the Kim Geon-hee special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Min Jung-ki, indicted Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the National Assembly, and Han for exchanging intelligence. However, the investigation into the internal leak of police information and the cover-up process remains unresolved.
The special investigation team plans to analyze the seized materials and summon Yoon and others to investigate potential involvement from police leadership and the presidential office.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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