The second special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, has summoned Jeong Won-joo, the former chief of staff to Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja, regarding allegations of covering up an investigation into overseas gambling.
As of 10 a.m. on July 31, the special investigation team is questioning Jeong in his capacity as a witness. This marks the first time Jeong has been interrogated by the team.
The allegations of covering up the Unification Church investigation stem from claims that police were aware of suspicions involving Han and other church executives participating in overseas gambling but failed to pursue the matter, subsequently leaking information to political circles to suppress the investigation.
In June 2022, the Chuncheon Police received intelligence indicating that Han and other church executives had engaged in approximately 60 billion won ($50 million) worth of gambling at casinos in Las Vegas, USA, between 2008 and 2011.
However, it is alleged that the investigation was derailed due to the involvement of former lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong, with related information leaking to political circles before any police action could be taken.
Evidence has emerged suggesting that the Unification Church was aware of the intelligence and prepared for the investigation.
Previously, the Kim Geon-hee Special Investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Min Jung-ki, indicted Kwon and Han for exchanging police intelligence. However, the investigation into the internal police leaks and higher-ups' involvement remains incomplete.
The special investigation team is continuing its inquiry, focusing on former police chief Yoon Hee-keun, who was appointed as the first chief of the National Police Agency after President Yoon Suk-yeol's election.
In April, the team conducted searches of the National Police Agency, Gangwon Provincial Police Agency, and Chuncheon Police Station, and has completed two rounds of questioning with Yoon as a suspect.
Witness interviews are also being conducted with former Unification Church World Headquarters leader Yoon Young-ho and police officers from the Crime Intelligence Division at the time.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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