eFM News

Prosecutors have raided facilities linked to the Shincheonji religious sect, the source of mass coronavirus infections in the southeastern city of Daegu and surrounding regions at the start of the outbreak in South Korea.

Some 100 investigators took part in the raids into the group's branches nationwide to seize materials in connection with charges brought against the sect's founder, Lee Man-hee.

An alliance of people claiming to be victims of the sect filed a complaint against Lee in February, accusing him of violating infectious disease prevention laws, embezzlement and dereliction of duty.

He has also been accused of ordering group members not to fully cooperate with health officials, thus hindering state efforts to contain COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic.

While there's speculation that the state investigative agency may soon summon Lee for questioning, an official said calling in the Shincheonji leader has yet to be discussed.