All articles tagged with #unification church
Originally Published 3 months ago — by The New York Times
Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church and widow of its founder, was arrested in South Korea on charges of corruption, including bribery and embezzlement, linked to political favors and illegal funds, amid broader investigations involving South Korean political figures and the church's influence.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by BBC
The leader of South Korea's Unification Church, Han Hak-ja, was arrested over allegations of bribing the ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee with gifts worth nearly $58,000, in connection with political favors and election-related bribes involving a former lawmaker and the ousted president's wife. The church denies the allegations, which are part of broader investigations into political and financial misconduct linked to the church and prominent political figures.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by AP News
Ha Ja Han, leader of the Unification Church, was arrested in South Korea amid investigations into alleged bribery involving the church, a former president's wife, and a lawmaker, as part of broader probes into political and criminal activities linked to the church and government officials.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Reuters
Han Hak-ja, leader of South Korea's Unification Church, was jailed after a court issued a warrant related to graft allegations involving the wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is also under investigation for bribery and other charges. The church denies the accusations and plans to cooperate with investigations.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
A New York City man lived rent-free in a landmark hotel for five years by exploiting a housing law loophole, but was arrested after filing false property records claiming ownership of the entire building and attempting to charge rent to another tenant. Mickey Barreto, 48, insists it should be a civil case, not a criminal one, and claims his legal wrangling is activism aimed at denying profits to the Unification Church, which owns the property.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Fortune
Mickey Barreto, a 48-year-old man, lived rent-free in a Manhattan hotel for 5 years by exploiting a housing law, but was arrested and charged with filing false property records after claiming ownership of the entire New Yorker Hotel building and attempting to charge rent to another tenant. Barreto's legal saga began when he and his boyfriend paid $200 to rent a room in the hotel, and he claimed possession through a legal loophole. He then uploaded a fake deed to transfer ownership of the building to himself and made various fraudulent claims as the owner. The Unification Church, which bought the property in 1976, sued Barreto over the deed claim, and the case is ongoing. Barreto argues that his actions were aimed at denying profits to the Unification Church and claims to have never made any money from the situation.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CBS News
Mickey Barreto exploited an obscure New York City housing law to live rent-free in the New Yorker Hotel for five years, claiming ownership of the entire building and attempting to charge rent to another tenant. He was arrested and charged with filing false property records, but maintains that it should be a civil case. Barreto's legal saga began when he and his boyfriend paid $200 to rent a room in the hotel, and he claims he never intended to commit fraud or profit from the situation. The Unification Church, which owns the property, has sued Barreto over his claims of ownership, and the case is ongoing.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Associated Press
Mickey Barreto exploited a housing law loophole to live rent-free in a New York City hotel for five years, claiming ownership of the entire building and attempting to charge rent to another tenant. He was arrested and charged with filing false property records, but maintains it should be a civil case. Barreto's legal saga began when he and his boyfriend paid $200 to rent a room in the New Yorker Hotel, and he later claimed possession of the room and then the entire building. The Unification Church, which owns the property, sued Barreto over the deed claim, and the case is ongoing. Barreto argues that his actions are aimed at denying profits to the church and has always represented himself in civil cases.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS News
The Unification Church in Japan, also known as the "Moonies," has offered up to $67 million in compensation to victims of the group's alleged high-pressure and fraudulent donation tactics. The church is facing the potential revocation of its tax-exempt status and liquidation of its assets. The compensation funds would be disbursed by the government, although the exact details remain unclear. The church has already paid out $29 million in compensation to 664 claims. The proposal falls short of the estimated $700 million in damages sought by victims, according to a group of lawyers representing them. The Unification Church has 600,000 members in Japan, but only 100,000 remain active.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Japan Times
The Unification Church is prepared to allocate up to ¥10 billion in funds for potential future damages claims from former followers and their families if its religious corporation status is revoked by the court. Concerns have arisen that the church may transfer its assets to South Korea or another group before the court order is issued, which could result in the liquidation and confiscation of those assets.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Japan Times
The support rate for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet has dropped to a record low of 32.3%, while the disapproval rating has reached a record high of 52.5%. A majority of respondents (58.6%) believe that the upcoming economic package aimed at mitigating rising prices will be ineffective. Additionally, 61.1% of respondents believe that Kishida's ruling Liberal Democratic Party still has ties to the controversial Unification Church. However, the government's decision to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea was considered "appropriate" by 74.6% of respondents.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN
The Japanese government has requested the dissolution of the Unification Church in Japan following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The government's investigation found that the church's practices, including excessive fundraising activities, violated the Religious Corporations Act. This is the third time the Japanese government has sought a dissolution order for a religious group. The Unification Church denies any wrongdoing and pledges reform. If disbanded, the church would lose its religious corporation status and tax benefits. Experts warn that a complete disbandment could take years and push the group's activities underground.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ABC News
The Japanese government has requested the Tokyo District Court to revoke the legal status of the Unification Church, also known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, after an Education Ministry investigation found evidence of the group manipulating followers into donating money and causing harm to their families. The church, which could still operate but would lose its tax exemption privilege, condemned the decision and claimed it was based on distorted information. The investigation followed public outrage and questions about the group's fundraising and recruitment tactics after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had ties to the church.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ABC News
Japanese leaders, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, marked the one-year anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Kishida pledged to tackle pressing political goals in honor of Abe's wishes. The memorial service, attended by political and business leaders, was hosted by Abe's widow and family. The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, who killed Abe during an election campaign speech, has been charged with murder and violating gun control laws. Yamagami cited Abe's alleged links to a religious group as his motive. Kishida recalled Abe's support and influence, while Abe's widow expressed her desire to make his death meaningful. The investigation has revealed connections between Abe's party and the Unification Church.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Guardian
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has won key local elections in the first big electoral test for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida since damaging revelations emerged about his party's ties to the Unification Church. LDP candidates triumphed in governor elections in prefectures from Hokkaido in the country's north to Oita in the south-west on Sunday, raising speculation that Kishida could call a snap general election. The LDP has endured months of criticism over its connections to the Unification Church, but Kishida had begun to claw back support in the run-up to Sunday's elections.