The leader of the church “Luni” arrested over gifts of the former first lady of Korea

South Korea has arrested the leader of the controversial church of unification for alleging that the organization bribed the former first lady of South Korea in exchange for business and political services.

Han Hak-Ja Church is accused of giving Kim Ken Heon He, the wife of the overthrown President Yon Suk Youol, two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, together for 80 million won ($ 57,500; £ 42,500).

Khan, the 82-year-old widow of the founder of the church Sun Myung Moon, has repeatedly denied the allegationsCalling them “false”.

The church said on Tuesday that “it will be true” with the authorities and “yes (this) is best to use this as a reason to restore trust in our church.”

He also apologized for “causing people’s concern.”

Prosecutors have sought an arrest warrant for the khan on four charges, including incorrect request and grafting and professional misappropriation.

In court on Monday, Khan dismissed the allegations, insisting that she had neither interest nor knowledge of politics. Her lawyers argued against arrest, citing her age and worsening health.

Khan is also accused of collusion with a former church official, Family Yun, to offer 100 million bribed bribery to conservative legislator Quaan Son -Dong before the 2022 presidential election, in exchange for church services in case Ion won the election that madeS

Quaon, who was once regarded as a close confidant of Ion, was arrested last Wednesday. He denies taking bribes.

The Church of the Union had encouraged the blame for both sets of accusations – with the participation of Kim and Quaon – the former church official, stating that he acted alone in offering these gifts. Since then, the employee has been arrested.

Kim, the former first lady, was accused last month For various fees, including bribery and manipulation of the stocks it denies. Her process began this week.

The arrest marked the first time that both a former president and a former first lady were imprisoned in South Korea.

Ion was detained in January and is facing a separate process because of an unsuccessful military law offer Last year, this immersed the country in chaos and led to its impeachment.

The Church of Association, officially known as the Federation of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was founded in South Korea in the 1950s by Moon Sun-Myung, which declared itself Messiah.

The church is best known for holding mass weddings, including thousands of couples, some of which would be combined by the church.

Critics described the group as “cult -like”. The lawyers accused him of forcing the devoted, known as “moons” after his founder, to donate large sums of money.

The Church of the Unification had fallen under the spotlight in Japan after the murder of former country leader Shinzo Abe. The alleged killer accused the billing group of his family and had a complaint against Abe for claiming to be promoted.

The group is banned in parts of the world, including Singapore. In Japan, it is ordered to dissolve.