"I Will Heal Your Cancer with Prayer"... 'Self-Proclaimed' Pastor Cheats Terminal Cancer Patient Out of 30 Million Won

Fraud Charges... 6 Months Imprisonment with 2 Years Probation
Collected Money from Terminal Cancer Patient under the Pretext of Prayer Fees

A self-proclaimed pastor in his 60s who deceived the family of a terminal cancer patient by falsely claiming "I will heal cancer through prayer" and received 30 million won as prayer fees was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

On the 19th, the Suwon District Court Criminal Division 9 (Judge Jang Hye-jung) announced that it sentenced Mr. A, who was indicted on charges including fraud, to 6 months in prison with a 2-year suspension.

Suwon District Court exterior view
[Photo by Yonhap News]

In April 2022, at an undisclosed location, Mr. A received a consultation call from victim Ms. B regarding her husband, who was a terminal cancer patient. He falsely claimed, "I am a pastor, and those who received life-extending prayers from me have completely recovered from cancer," and "If you receive prayer from me, your husband's cancer will be cured," thereby obtaining 30 million won under the pretext of prayer fees. It was also reported that Mr. A frightened Ms. B by saying, "I see cancer in your granddaughter as well." Investigations revealed that Mr. A used the money he obtained in this way to repay his own debts.

During the trial, Mr. A denied the fraud charges, stating, "I prayed with the earnest heart of the victim who wanted to save her husband, and I firmly believe myself that 'God answers all prayers,'" and "I did not deceive the victim by saying 'If you offer a donation, you can save your husband.'"

However, the court did not accept Mr. A's claims, stating, "The defendant's actions exceeded the limits of ordinary religious activities and are reasonably considered fraud." The court pointed out, "The defendant claimed to be a pastor with the gift of healing the sick through prayer and deceived the victim, who was in a desperate and anxious situation, committing this fraud. Considering the circumstances and methods of the fraud and the scale of the damage, the defendant's guilt is not light." The court further explained the sentencing rationale, saying, "The defendant has consistently denied the crime with implausible excuses from the investigation stage to this court and has shown no remorse. However, considering that the defendant repaid 30 million won to the victim and has no prior criminal record exceeding a fine, the sentence is determined accordingly."