The cult leader accused of defrauding 3.1 billion won through a pyramid scheme targeting followers under the guise of pseudo-religious doctrines denied the charges at the first trial.
At the first hearing held on the 22nd at the Seoul Southern District Court before Judge Hong Yun-ha of Criminal Division 14, Na Mo (71), the cult leader among the five defendants indicted on charges including fraud, denied the allegations. The other four defendants in their 60s, including cult leader Bae Mo, either did not disclose whether they admitted the charges or did not appear.
Na’s defense attorney stated, "Na has never participated in any fraud-related activities," adding, "He was not involved in the business and therefore did not partake in any conspiracy related to violations of the Door-to-Door Sales Act."
They are accused of recruiting followers as sales agents for an unregistered multi-level marketing company from around 2016 until last March, and embezzling approximately 3.1 billion won from about 500 people under the pretext of agency registration fees and other charges.
Each of them impersonated a deity described as the "Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother, and the eldest son of God, the existing Trinity," who are the protagonists of all religions worldwide, and conducted proselytizing activities targeting the elderly and impoverished.
They deceived followers by promising "eternal life and resurrection, and through God's enterprise, turning each follower into a business owner who would become wealthier than conglomerates," recruiting about 1,800 followers.
After arresting the group, the prosecution seized and preserved the property and buildings of a religious prayer center located in Gyeongnam, which were purchased with the proceeds of the crime.
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